The California Bay Area Air Quality Management District is announcing that funding is now available to help Bay Area truck owners reduce emissions and meet upcoming state air quality requirements.

Recent program changes prioritize funding for small fleets of three or fewer trucks, provide for an extended application period, and allow trucks with older engines to participate. Grant applications must be submitted by Dec. 12 to be considered for funding.

The Air District currently has $8.2 million in funding available for non-port trucks engaged in goods movement activities. This funding can be used to replace trucks with 2006 or older engines with those equipped with 2010 or newer engines, or to replace engines in existing trucks.

Grant amounts of up to $50,000 are available, depending on the project details. While funding priority will be given to small fleets, large fleets are still encouraged to apply. Grant funding will be provided in 2014 and all projects must be completed by Dec. 31, 2014.

Project applications and additional program information are available on the Air District’s website at www.baaqmd.gov/goods.

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is the regional agency responsible for protecting air quality in the nine-county Bay Area.