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Kansas Receives $1.73M Federal Economic Recovery Funding to Reduce Diesel Emissions, Protect Health and Create Jobs

Release Date: 04/08/2009
Contact Information: David Bryan, 913-551-7433, bryan.david@epa.gov

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Environmental News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Kansas City, Kan., April 8, 2009) - In a move that stands to create jobs, boost local economies, reduce diesel emissions and protect human health and the environment for the people in the State of Kansas, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $1.73 million to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. The funding can be used to support clean diesel projects and loan programs to address the nation's existing fleet of over 11 million diesel engines.

"These cost-effective projects will help Kansas speed its journey to recovery," Acting Regional Administrator William Rice said. "This funding will bolster the state's economy and create new, green jobs that will improve air quality in Kansas."

The funds provided by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) of 2009 will go to Kansas' Department of Health & Environment diesel emissions reduction program. Eligible projects include engine idling reduction and retrofit technologies, engine replacement, vehicle replacement, and clean diesel emerging technologies.

In addition to helping to create and retain jobs, the clean diesel projects would reduce premature deaths, asthma attacks and other respiratory ailments, lost work days, and many other health impacts every year.

Under ARRA's State clean diesel funding program, $88.2 million is divided equally through a noncompetitive allocation process, meaning that all 50 states and the District of Columbia will receive $1.73 million.

States, local governments, non-profits and tribal agencies can also compete for a portion of $206 million under ARRA's National clean diesel funding program.

President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 on February 17, 2009, and has directed that the Recovery Act be implemented with unprecedented transparency and accountability. To that end, the American people can see how every dollar is being invested at Recovery.gov.

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More information on EPA's implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

More information about EPA's clean diesel initiatives