The Air Quality Management District, which serves parts of Southern California, is offering funding for up to $26.5 million in projects to replace diesel engines with alternative-fuel and lower-emission models.

The program pays for the cost difference between a new diesel engine and a lower-emissions model.
As part of the state's Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program, the AQMD staff has proposed funding in the following amounts for these categories:

• $16 million to $24 million for on-road vehicles, including tractor-trailers, trash trucks, school and transit buses;

• $3 million to $6 million for off-road vehicles and equipment, including construction equipment, marine vessels and port equipment and auxiliary power units; and

• $1 million to $2 million for fueling stations.

Applications for funding must be received by 5 p.m. on April 20. To apply, visit www.aqmd.gov/hb/01014a.html.