Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant
(AFIG) PROGRAM

The Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant (AFIG) Program provides financial assistance and information on alternative fuels and vehicles. The Department of Environmental Protection's AFIG Program provides funding for up to 50% of the incremental cost of alternative fuel vehicles, including hybrids, and for alternative fuel refueling stations and purchase of biofuels.  For a more detailed description, see below.

What is it?

The Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant (AFIG) Fund was established under Act 166 of 1992 and is administered by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Bureau of Energy, Innovations and Technology Deployment. In November 2004, SB 255 was passed and signed into law as Act 178. Act 178 improves the AFIG program and establishes two new programs to stimulate the production and use of renewable fuels, such as biodiesel and ethanol.
Its purpose is to:

• reduce PA's dependence on imported oil,

• improve PA's environmental quality, and

• foster economic development by encouraging the transfer and commercialization of innovative energy technologies and the use of fuels indigenous to the Commonwealth.

Who and what is eligible for funding?

Eligible applicants for incentive grants are schools and vocational school districts, colleges and universities, municipal authorities, counties, cities, boroughs, incorporated towns, townships, county institution districts, corporations, partnerships and nonprofit entities incorporated or registered in the Commonwealth, and Commonwealth residents.  Tax-exempt entities with fleets are also eligible for funding of the incremental cost of purchasing alternative fuels such as biodiesel and e-85.

DEP's AFIG program – Offered ONCE a year

Currently Closed. DEADLINE FOR 2006 SUBMISSIONS WAS OCTOBER 2.

New to this year's AFIG Program:

• Reimbursement of up to 5 cents for every gallon of biodiesel or ethanol produced for use as an alternative transportation fuel by a qualified producer, not to exceed 12,500,000 gallons per calendar year.

The grant gives a rebate of $500 to Commonwealth residents for purchase of:

• hybrid-electric vehicles (see hybrid rebates page)

The grant will pay up to 50% of the following eligible projects costs (project eligibility changes each cycle):

• Purchase of bi-fuel, dual-fuel, hybrid or dedicated vehicles

• Tax-exempt entities are able to apply for grant funds to offset the incremental costs of purchasing biofuels, such as biodiesel and e-85

• Converting or repowering existing vehicles to operate on alternative fuels

• Purchasing and installing alternative fuel refueling facilities

• Purchasing and installing recharging facilities

• Developing and evaluating innovative alternative fuel vehicles and developing refueling or recharging facilities

• Installation of idle-reduction technologies on heavy-duty trucks

NOTE: To be eligible for funding, costs cannot be incurred prior to submitting an application during an open window of opportunity!

*AFIG funding is now available when leasing an AFV! The lease must be for a minimum of 3 years. Funding is available to cover 50% of the incremental cost of the vehicle based on the actual purchase price.*

Please note that the AFIG program may be used in addition to other incentives.

Where do I get more information?     How do I apply?

Download the application, instructions, and guidelines for the AFIG Program. Be sure to read the Guidelines and General Information for program requirements.

More information on DEP's program is available on their AFIG site.

The AFIG program will be announced annually in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and the Weekly DEP Newsletter. For questions contact the AFIG Grant Officer:

     Karen Miller
     Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
     Bureau of Energy, Innovations, and Technology Development
     PO Box 8772
     Harrisburg, PA 17105-8772
     (717) 772-8908
     e-mail: karemiller@state.pa.us

CAPITAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Currently Unavailable

Under this program, private non-profit organizations may apply to PennDOT for Federal Capital Assistance to pay up to 80% of the purchase cost of new wheelchair-accessible small transit vehicles and other equipment used to provide needed transportation services for senior citizens and persons with disabilities who cannot be reasonably accommodated by existing transportation providers.  This funding also applies to the cost of purchasing alternative fuel vehicles with wheelchair accessibility.

The application materials are available to download from PennDOT's website.  This page is a MS Word Document, and includes information about the specific types of vehicles covered, and all materials necessary for application.  If you have any questions, GPCCP staff are happy to help.