(1) Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality
Program (CMAQ) Railroad-Related Emissions Reductions in Atlanta Program Scope
and Purpose. Funds are available under the Federal Congestion Mitigation and
Air Quality (CMAQ) Program for converting diesel locomotives that are located
or operated in the urban core of the Atlanta PM
2.5
nonattainment area.
(a) General Terms and
Conditions.
1. The grant funding must be used
exclusively to convert switcher locomotives operated in the Atlanta "urban
core" counties, as defined in subparagraph (c) of this paragraph, that result
in reductions of diesel PM2.5 and related pollutants.
Projects submitted for funding must identify the locomotives for conversion and
the type of conversion equipment to be used.
2. Submitted projects must conform to all
applicable programmatic and administrative conditions including, without
limitation, coordination with EPD personnel; submission of an initial report
before the switcher is converted, a report immediately after the conversion,
and then a report each six months for the first two years of operation and then
once per year for the remaining period of commitment, including detailed
activity and emissions data; compliance with applicable Federal procurement and
subgrant procedures; certification that the equipment was properly installed
and is in working condition; use of data-logging in accordance with
manufacturer specifications; proper maintenance of locomotives and conversion
equipment and enforcement of warranty claims against vendors if a maintenance
problem arises; and use of the converted locomotives in the designated areas
for a minimum of 10 years unless the locomotive becomes inoperable and is
unable to be repaired or replaced with comparable equipment.
3. Projects that are awarded these funds will
require a minimum 30% match. The project applicant will be responsible for the
match. Grant funds will be distributed to the grantee incrementally following
completion of conversion task(s) provided the match has been satisfied for the
incremental distribution.
(b) Eligible Recipients of the Grant.
Owners of traditional diesel switcher locomotives operating
in Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, or Gwinnett County are eligible for this
funding assistance. Locomotives eligible for conversion include unregulated
(pre-1973) or Tier 0 (1973-2001) diesel switchers that are currently in service
and would have remained in service in the proposed/designated railyard for at
least five years from the application date. This project must result in
emission reductions that would otherwise not occur in the nonattainment area
for the remaining useful life of the converted equipment (e.g., the project
cannot be applied to increase a fleet size.)
(c) Criteria for the Award.
The request for proposals will be limited to convert
switchers operating in Atlanta "urban core" counties, which are defined as
Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett. Highest priority will be given for
those operating near the Fire Station No. 8 air quality monitor in Fulton
County. Proposals must commit the converted switchers to 80% of their operating
time for at least 10 years from the installation of the equipment (or to a
similar schedule approved by EPD) within a designated distance of the proposed
railyard (also to be approved by EPD). Funding for the selected railroads is
not to exceed 70% of the conversion cost.
EPD may fund individual projects less than the requested
amounts if the total amount of the proposals exceeds available funds as
follows: if one proposal is received, that proposal will be funded at 100% of
the available funds. If two proposals are received, the
2nd highest scoring proposal will be funded at the
lower of a) the amount of the proposal or b) a percentage of the available
funds determined as follows: percent of available funds awarded = 20% + (total
score/4)% with the remainder awarded to the highest scoring proposal. If three
or more proposals are received, the 3rd highest
scoring proposal will be funded at the lower of a) the amount of the proposal
or b) 10% of available funds, the 2nd highest
scoring proposal will be funded at a lower of a) the amount of the proposal or
b) a percentage of the available funds determined as follows: percent of
available funds awarded = 15% + (total score/4)%, and the remainder awarded to
the highest scoring proposal.
During any solicitation, if the amount of funding provided to
individual projects is less than that project's respective proposal, EPD may
specify which switcher engines are to be converted based on criteria 2 listed
below, for each switcher converted. If two or more proposals are received
during any solicitation, EPD may adjust the amount of funding awarded to the
2nd and, if applicable,
3rd highest scoring proposal so that the amount of
funding awarded plus the amount of match money provided by the grant recipient
is sufficient for the complete conversion of the number of locomotives included
in the award.
Projects will be ranked on a 100-point system with the
following criteria:
1. The proposed
railyard location. Highest points will be given to switchers operating near the
Fire Station 8 Monitor, with points decreasing with distance. - 50
points;
2. Cost
effectiveness of the project based on the emission levels of the equipment to
be used in the conversion, the operating cycle of the switcher to be converted,
the emission levels of the engines to be replaced (Tier level or direct
measurements), the estimated length of remaining service of the switcher to be
replaced, the number of years (minimum 10) that the converted switcher will
remain in the Atlanta urban core area, and the amount of time and average duty
cycle of operation of the converted switcher. When calculating cost
effectiveness, only funds to be awarded under this grant will be included. -
50 points
A commitment to a schedule and maximum time period needed for
converting the switchers must be specified, not to exceed 24 months from
execution of a contract for the award. Penalties and/or contingencies for not
meeting the terms of the contract will be specified in the award contract in
accordance with applicable requirements.
(d) Deadline For Submittal. EPD will send out
the first solicitation for proposals on or before January 1, 2011. Applications
will be due within eight weeks after release of the solicitation. Funding will
be distributed based on the criteria for award described above. If funds remain
after grants are awarded to all qualified projects from the first solicitation,
additional solicitations will be issued with specific deadlines until all funds
have been obligated. All applications submitted in response to any additional
solicitations would be evaluated based on the criteria in subparagraphs (c)1
and 2.
(e) Directions For
Submitting Proposals. Requests for copies of the general guidelines and
proposal forms and submittal of applications for the CMAQ Railroad-Related
Emission Reductions in Atlanta should be made to:
Georgia Environmental Protection Division
Planning and Support Program, PRDU
Attn: Dr. Michelle Bergin
4244 International Parkway, Suite 120
Atlanta, Georgia 30354
e-mail: michelle.bergin@dnr.state.ga.us
(f) Award of the CMAQ Railroad-Related
Emission Reductions in Atlanta grants are subject to Federal funding provided
to EPD.
(2) Congestion
Mitigation and Air Quality Program (CMAQ) Railroad-Related Emissions Reductions
in Macon Program Scope and Purpose. Funds are available under the Federal
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Program for converting diesel
locomotives that are located or operated in the Macon Nonattainment area.
(a) General Terms and Conditions.
1. The grant funding must be used exclusively
to convert switcher locomotives operated in Bibb County that result in
reductions of diesel PM2.5 and related pollutants.
Projects submitted for funding must identify the locomotives for conversion and
the type of conversion equipment to be used.
2. Submitted projects must conform to all
applicable programmatic and administrative conditions including, without
limitation, coordination with EPD personnel; submission of an initial report
before the switcher is converted, a report immediately after the conversion,
and then a report each six months for the first two years of operation and then
once per year for the remaining period of commitment, including detailed
activity and emissions data; compliance with applicable Federal procurement and
subgrant procedures; certification that the equipment was properly installed
and is in working condition; use of data-logging in accordance with
manufacturer specifications; proper maintenance of locomotives and conversion
equipment and enforcement of warranty claims against vendors if a maintenance
problem arises; and use of the converted locomotives in the designated areas
for a minimum of 10 years unless the locomotive becomes inoperable and is
unable to be repaired or replaced with comparable equipment.
3. Projects that are awarded these funds will
require a minimum 30% match. The project applicant will be responsible for the
match. Grant funds will be distributed to grantee incrementally following
completion of conversion task(s) provided the match has been satisfied for the
incremental distribution.
(b) Eligible Recipients of the Grant.
Owners of traditional diesel switcher locomotives operating
in Bibb County are eligible for this funding assistance. Locomotives eligible
for conversion include unregulated (pre-1973) or Tier 0 (1973-2001) diesel
switchers that are currently in service and would have remained in service in
the proposed/designated railyard for at least five years from the application
date. This project must result in emission reductions that would otherwise not
occur in the nonattainment area for the remaining useful life of the converted
equipment (e.g., the project cannot be applied to increase a fleet
size.)
(c) Criteria for the
Award.
The request for proposals will be limited to convert
switchers operating in Bibb County. Proposals must commit the converted
switchers to 80% of their operating time for at least 10 years from the
installation of the equipment (or to a similar schedule approved by EPD) within
a designated distance of the proposed railyard (also to be approved by EPD).
Funding for the selected railroads is not to exceed 70% of the conversion cost.
Priority will be given to the projects with the highest cost effectiveness as
follows:
Cost effectiveness of the project is to be based on the
emission levels of the equipment to be used in the conversion, the operating
cycle of the switcher to be converted, the emission levels of the engines to be
replaced (tier level or direct measurements), the estimated length of remaining
service of the switcher to be replaced, the number of years (minimum 10) that
the converted switcher will remain in Bibb County, and the amount of time and
average duty cycle of operation of the converted switcher. When calculating
cost effectiveness, only funds to be awarded under this grant will be
included.
Each project will be fully funded based on the cost
effectiveness of the proposal and available funds. EPD may fund individual
projects less than the requested amounts if the total amount of the proposals
exceeds available funds. If the amount of funding provided to individual
projects during additional solicitations is less than that project's respective
proposal, EPD may specify which switcher engines are to be converted based on
criteria listed in subparagraph (c), for each switcher converted.
A commitment to a schedule and maximum time period needed for
converting the switchers must be specified, not to exceed 24 months from
execution of a contract for the award. Penalties and/or contingencies for not
meeting the terms of the contract will be specified in the award contract in
accordance with applicable requirements.
(d) Deadline For Submittal. EPD will send out
the first solicitation for proposals on or before January 1, 2011. Applications
will be due within eight weeks after release of the solicitation. Funding will
be distributed based on the criteria for award described above. If funds remain
after grants are awarded to all qualified projects from the first solicitation,
additional solicitations will be issued with specific deadlines until all funds
have been obligated. All applications submitted in response to any additional
solicitations would be evaluated based on the criteria in subparagraph
(c).
(e) Directions For Submitting
Proposals. Requests for copies of the general guidelines and proposal forms and
submittal of applications for the CMAQ Railroad-Related Emission Reductions in
Macon should be made to:
Georgia Environmental Protection Division
Planning and Support Program, PRDU
Attn: Dr. Michelle Bergin
4244 International Parkway, Suite 120
Atlanta, Georgia 30354
e-mail: michelle.bergin@dnr.state.ga.us
(f) Award of the CMAQ Railroad-Related
Emission Reductions in Macon grants are subject to Federal funding provided to
EPD.
(3) High Priority
Projects (HPP) Railroad-Related Emissions Reductions in the Middle Georgia
Region Program Scope and Purpose. Funds are available under the High Priority
Projects (HPP) Program for converting diesel locomotives that are located or
operated in the Middle Georgia Region.
(a)
General Terms and Conditions.
1. The grant
funding must be used exclusively to convert switcher locomotives operated in
the Middle Georgia Region, as defined in subparagraph (c) of this paragraph,
that result in reduction of diesel PM2.5 and related
pollutants. Projects submitted for funding must identify the locomotives for
conversion and the type of conversion equipment to be used.
2. Submitted projects must conform to all
applicable programmatic and administrative conditions including, without
limitation, coordination with EPD personnel; submission of an initial report
before the switcher is converted, a report immediately after the conversion,
and then a report each six months for the first two years of operation and then
once per year for the remaining period of commitment, including detailed
activity and emissions data; compliance with applicable Federal procurement and
subgrant procedures; certification that the equipment was properly installed
and is in working condition; use of data-logging in accordance with
manufacturer specifications; proper maintenance of locomotives and conversion
equipment and enforcement of warranty claims against vendors if a maintenance
problem arises; and use of the converted locomotives in the designated areas
for a minimum of 10 years unless the locomotive becomes inoperable and is
unable to be repaired or replaced with comparable equipment.
3. Projects that are awarded these funds will
require a minimum 20% match. The project applicant will be responsible for the
match. Grant funds will be distributed to grantee incrementally following
completion of conversion task(s) provided the match has been satisfied for the
incremental distribution.
(b) Eligible Recipients of the Grant.
Owners of traditional diesel switcher locomotives operating
in Bibb, Crawford, Houston, Monroe, Jones, Peach, or Twiggs County are eligible
for this funding assistance. Locomotives eligible for conversion include
unregulated (pre-1973) or Tier 0 (1973-2001) diesel switchers that are
currently in service and would have remained in service in the
proposed/designated railyard for at least five years from the application date.
This project must result in emission reductions that would otherwise not occur
in the nonattainment area for the remaining useful life of the converted
equipment (e.g., the project cannot be applied to increase a fleet
size.)
(c) Criteria for the
Award.
The request for proposals will be limited to convert
switchers operating in the Middle Georgia Region, which is defined as Bibb,
Crawford, Houston, Monroe, Jones, Peach, and Twiggs County. Proposals must
commit the converted switchers to 80% of their operating time for at least 10
years from the installation of the equipment (or to a similar schedule approved
by EPD) within a designated distance of the proposed railyard (also to be
approved by EPD). Funding for the selected railroads is not to exceed 80% of
the conversion cost. Priority will be given to the projects with the highest
cost effectiveness as follows:
Cost effectiveness of the project is to be based on the
emission levels of the equipment to be used in the conversion, the operating
cycle of the switcher to be converted, the emission levels of the engines to be
replaced (Tier level or direct measurements), the estimated length of remaining
service of the switcher to be replaced, the number of years (minimum 10) that
the converted switcher will remain in the Middle Georgia Region, and the amount
of time and average duty cycle of operation of the converted switcher. When
calculating cost effectiveness, only funds to be awarded under this grant will
be included.
Each project will be fully funded based on the cost
effectiveness of the proposal and available funds. EPD may fund individual
projects less than the requested amounts if the total amount of the proposals
exceeds available funds. If the amount of funding provided to individual
projects during additional solicitations is less than that project's respective
proposal, EPD may specify which switcher engines are to be converted based on
criteria listed in subparagraph (c), for each switcher converted.
A commitment to a schedule and maximum time period needed for
converting the switchers must be specified, not to exceed 24 months from
execution of a contract for the award. Penalties and/or contingencies for not
meeting the terms of the contract will be specified in the award contract in
accordance with applicable requirements.
(d) Deadline For Submittal. EPD will send out
the first solicitation for proposals on or before January 1, 2011. Applications
will be due within eight weeks after release of the solicitation. Funding will
be distributed based on the criteria for award described above. If funds remain
after grants are awarded to all qualified projects from the first solicitation,
additional solicitations will be issued with specific deadlines until all funds
have been obligated. All applications submitted in response to any additional
solicitations would be evaluated based on the criteria in subparagraph
(c).
(e) Directions For Submitting
Proposals. Requests for copies of the general guidelines and proposal forms and
submittal of applications for the HPP Railroad-Related Emission Reductions in
the Middle Georgia Region should be made to:
Georgia Environmental Protection Division
Planning and Support Program, PRDU
Attn: Dr. Michelle Bergin
4244 International Parkway, Suite 120
Atlanta, Georgia 30354
e-mail: michelle.bergin@dnr.state.ga.us
(f) Award of the HPP Railroad-Related
Emission Reductions in the Middle Georgia Region grants are subject to Federal
funding provided to EPD.
(4) Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality
Program (CMAQ) Railroad-Related Emissions Reductions in Floyd County Program
Scope and Purpose. Funds are available under the Federal Congestion Mitigation
and Air Quality (CMAQ) Program for converting or replacing diesel locomotives
that are located or operated in the Floyd County nonattainment area.
(a) General Terms and Conditions.
1. The grant funding must be used exclusively
to convert switcher locomotives operated in Floyd County that result in
reductions of diesel PM2.5 and related pollutants.
Projects submitted for funding must identify the locomotives for conversion and
the type of conversion equipment to be used.
2. Submitted projects must conform to all
applicable programmatic and administrative conditions including, without
limitation, coordination with EPD personnel; submission of an initial report
before the switcher is converted, a report immediately after the conversion,
and then a report each six months for the first two years of operation and then
once per year for the remaining period of commitment.
a. The two (2) reports describing activities
immediately before and immediately after the conversion must include: a
demonstration of compliance with applicable Federal procurement and subgrant
procedures, certification that the equipment was properly installed and is in
working condition, confirmation of proper maintenance of locomotives and
conversion equipment, and provisions to ensure enforcement of warranty claims
against vendors if a maintenance problem arises.
b. The two (2) reports covering activities
immediately before and immediately after the conversion and two (2) reports
covering each six months of the first year of genset operation must include
detailed activity and emissions data collected through the use of data-logging
or similar equipment in accordance with manufacturer specifications. EPA
emission factors may be used in conjunction with measured duty cycle
activity.
c. The two (2) reports
covering each six month period of the second year of genset operation must
indicate if there have been any changes in operating patterns or activity
levels since the previous year, deviance from the agreements, or need for
unexpected maintenance or repair. If any of these changes occurred the report
must detail those changes.
d. All
reports, beginning with the first six month report of the first year of genset
operation, must confirm the use of the converted locomotives in the designated
areas during the reporting period unless the locomotive became inoperable and
was unable to be repaired or replaced with comparable equipment. The report
must explain if there have been significant performance or unanticipated
maintenance difficulties.
3. Projects that are awarded these funds will
require a minimum 30% match. The project applicant will be responsible for the
match. Grant funds will be distributed to the grantee incrementally following
completion of conversion task(s) provided the match has been satisfied for the
incremental distribution.
(b) Eligible Recipients of the Grant.
Owners of traditional diesel switcher locomotives operating
in Floyd County are eligible for this funding assistance. Locomotives eligible
for conversion include unregulated (pre-1973) or Tier 0 (1973-2001) diesel
switchers that are currently in service and would have remained in service for
at least five years from the application date. If EPD and the grantee mutually
agree that switcher locomotives operating outside of Floyd County are a more
environmentally beneficial candidate for conversion than the switchers
operating in Floyd County, the alternative locomotives may be converted to the
genset and used to replace the switchers normally operating in Floyd County.
Emissions benefits will be calculated as the emission difference between the
converted genset switchers and the switchers previously operating in Floyd
County, rather than from the locomotives converted. This project must result in
emission reductions that would otherwise not occur in the nonattainment area
for the remaining useful life of the replaced equipment (e.g., the project
cannot be applied to increase a fleet size).
(c) Criteria for the Award.
The request for proposals will be limited to conversion of
switchers operating in Floyd County or the replacement of switchers operating
in Floyd County with converted locomotives operating outside of Floyd County.
Proposals must commit the converted switchers to 80% of their operating time
for at least ten years from the installation of the equipment (or to a similar
schedule approved by EPD) within a designated distance of the proposed railyard
(also to be approved by EPD). Funding for the selected railroads is not to
exceed 70% of the conversion cost. Priority will be given to the projects with
the highest cost effectiveness as follows:
Cost effectiveness of the project is to be based on the
emission levels of the equipment to be used in the conversion, the operating
cycle and emission levels (tier level or direct measurements) of the switchers
that are operating in Floyd County and are to be converted or replaced, the
estimated length of remaining service of the switchers to be replaced, the
number of years (minimum ten) that the converted switchers will remain in Floyd
County, and the amount of time and average duty cycle of operation anticipated
for the converted switchers. When calculating cost effectiveness, only funds to
be awarded under this grant will be included.
Each project will be fully funded based on the cost
effectiveness of the proposal and available funds. EPD may fund individual
projects less than the requested amounts if the total amount of the proposals
exceed available funds. If the amount of funding provided to individual
projects during additional solicitations is less than that project's respective
proposal, EPD may specify which switcher engines are to be converted based on
criteria listed in Subparagraph (c) for each switcher converted.
A commitment to a schedule and maximum time period needed for
converting the switchers must be specified, not to exceed 24 months from
execution of a contract for the award. Penalties and/or contingencies for not
meeting the terms of the contract will be specified in the award contract in
accordance with applicable requirements.
(d) Deadline For Submittal. EPD will send out
the first solicitation for proposals on or before May 1, 2011. Applications
will be due within eight weeks after release of the solicitation. Funding will
be distributed based on the criteria for award described above. If funds remain
after grants are awarded to all qualified projects from the first solicitation,
additional solicitations will be issued with specific deadlines until all funds
have been obligated. All applications submitted in response to any additional
solicitations would be evaluated based on the criteria in Subparagraph
(c).
(e) Directions For Submitting
Proposals. Requests for copies of the general guidelines and proposal forms and
submittal of applications for the CMAQ Railroad-Related Emission Reductions in
Floyd County should be made to:
Georgia Environmental Protection Division
Planning and Support Program, PRDU
Attn: Dr. Michelle Bergin
4244 International Parkway, Suite 120
Atlanta, Georgia 30354
e-mail: michelle.bergin@dnr.state.ga.us
(f) Award of the CMAQ Railroad-Related
Emission Reductions in Floyd County grants are subject to Federal funding
provided to EPD.
