The Port of New Orleans has launched its Clean Truck Replacement Incentive Program, providing incentives for local, short-haul truck owners to voluntarily replace 20 Class 8 drayage trucks from model years 1993-2006 with 2012 and newer models.

The cost-share program will provide 50% of the vehicle sale cost of up to $35,000 and a maximum of two trucks per owner or fleet. The program is open to those who service cargo terminals and warehouses along the Mississippi River and the Industrial Canal.

Applications for the program are on Oct. 12, 2016. If more than 20 complete and eligible applications are received by the due date, the port will hold a public lottery at the Port Administration Building on Oct. 19.

“This program is a win-win,” said Gary LaGrange port president and CEO. “Local trucking companies can replace inefficient vehicles cost-effectively with commensurate emissions reductions and we have the opportunity to start a conversation about air quality.”

The Clean TRIP program is part of a $727,000 Clean Diesel competitive grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded to the Port of New Orleans. The grant supports the local port trucking community helping to reduce local air emissions and increase reliability and efficiency of on-road goods movement.

The total Clean TRIP project cost is $1.537 million, with $700,000 coming from mandatory cost-share with eligible truck owners and $110,636 coming from the Port for administrative costs.