OFFICIAL SITE OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEYFunding Successes
The Diesel Modernization Program utilizes many funding sources and has given out grants for a variety of projects over the years. This page highlights the funding dashboard and specific projects. Check out the links below to jump to specific sections.
The projects represented in this dashboard took place from Calendar Year 2018 to the present.
BMS provides grants utilizing several pots of funding:
The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Program provides funding to states for transportation projects designed to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality, especially in areas that do not meet the national air quality standards.
To date, the Diesel Modernization Program has completed 9 non-road diesel replacement projects totaling over $585,972 using funds through the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA). These projects have significantly helped increase air quality in North Jersey.
In 2017, DEP utilized CMAQ funding through the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) to work with South Jersey Port Corporation (SJPC) to purchase 9 new forklifts and replace 9 older forklift models. This forklift repower project was essential to increasing the ambient air quality around South Jersey’s ports.
The Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Funding comes from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and exists to promote diesel emission reductions projects on both the national and state levels. Regional, state, local, and tribal agencies are all eligible to obtain this funding, as well as nonprofit organizations and school districts, municipalities, and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs).
Presently, DEP has funding available for non-road vehicle replacements and marine engine replacements only. This includes vehicles without highway license plates and often used for construction, such as: handling of cargo (including at a port or airport); agriculture; mining. For marine engine specifications, see the table below.
To date, DEP has worked with 14 project partners and has completed diesel non-road and marine replacement projects worth over $823,758.
The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is a multi-state, market-based program that establishes a regional cap on CO2 emissions. The state of New Jersey re-entered this program and during the first quarterly RGGI CO2 auction, New Jersey was allocated $36.4 million for investment in clean energy and greenhouse gas reduction strategies for the State.
RGGI 1 – As announced on February 16, 2021, DEP has funded 23 projects with RGGI auction proceeds totaling over $26 million. Projects chosen included electric heavy-duty garbage trucks, electric school buses, electric shuttle buses, and eMobility projects.
RGGI 2 – As announced on November 10, 2021, DEP has funded 12 electric school bus projects totaling over $12 million from all over the state, as well as over $1 million for electric trucks and shuttle buses.
RGGI 3 – As announced on April 21, 2022, DEP has used $2.76 million in RGGI auction proceeds to fund 5 electric heavy-duty refuse truck projects, $700,000 for electric trucks, $900,000 for electric ambulances, and $600,000 for electric car share programs.
RGGI 4 – As announced on August 10, 2022, DEP has used $2.05 million in RGGI auction proceeds to fund electric school buses, $275,000 for electric transit buses, $3.8 million for electric garbage trucks, and $1.15 million for an electric garbage truck and shuttle bus project.
The Volkswagen Mitigation Consent Decree awarded project funding for states across the U.S. DEP was awarded $70 million for EV charging station projects, electric school and shuttle bus projects, as well as eGSE, eCHE, and eTruck projects.
In 2018, DEP was awarded Volkswagen funding for 11 on-road electrification projects totaling $24 million, including $8 million for 8 electric transit buses with New Jersey Transit. $2.5M was also used to replace ten diesel yard tractors at Port Newark with ten all-electric yard tractors.
In 2021, DEP announced its second round of Volkswagen projects, which encompassed $33 million for 28 on-road electrification projects, including airport ground support equipment, electric garbage trucks, and electric buses.
Highlighted Projects
South Jersey Port Corporation
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality
South Jersey Port Corporation
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality
DEP partnered with South Jersey Port Corporation (SJPC). SJPC, an agency of the State of New Jersey, operates and maintains two of the port terminals in the Port of Camden. Cargo handling equipment, such as forklifts, is essential in the day to day operation of the marine terminals along the Delaware River. These forklifts work many hours to keep the cargo moving between the ship, rail and highway.
DEP was awarded $1 million from a 2015 DVRPC CMAQ grant.
Project Description:
- Replace nine forklifts with new Tier 4 engine forklifts
Seastreak, LLC
Diesel Emissions Reduction Act
Seastreak, LLC
Diesel Emissions Reduction Act
DEP partnered with Seastreak, LLC who is a leader in revitalizing fast passenger ferry services between New Jersey and the New York metropolitan area. The company offers high speed catamaran services to a point in Manhattan from central New Jersey. Seastreak operates a fleet of seven vessels between Atlantic Highlands, Jersey City, and Hoboken.
DEP was awarded $1.382 million from a 2014 USEPA $5 million DERA ports grant. Seastreak contributed a mandatory cost share of $2.09 million.
Project Description:
- Replace four Tier 1 engines with two Tier 3 engine
- Replace four gearboxes with two propulsion gearboxes
- Replace four jetdrive propulsion thrusters with two new thrusters properly sized to the new engines
The work was performed at a shipyard in Louisiana. Since the vessel was out of commission for the repower, SeaStreak took the opportunity to refurbish the inside of the vessel by installing new seating and flooring. SeaStreak provided the funding for the refurbishment and it was not part of the grant. The total overall vessel horsepower was reduced from 7500HP to 6006HP. The decrease in the number of engines and gearboxes provided for added space in the engine compartment down in the hull allowing for much easier maintenance.
The repower also resulted in updated computer systems which allow the vessel to be easier to control and maneuver which provided a smoother ride. The upgraded equipment streamlined the electronics. The new system is easier to manage and maintain.
Results:
Annual emission reductions:
- 5.78 tons PM2.5
- 132 tons NOx
- 821 tons CO2
Weight reduction from the decrease in number of engines, gearboxes, and thrusters allowed for increased ridership. Installation of water jet thrusters allowed the vessel to sit higher in the water and reduce drag, giving the vessel a 30% reduction in fuel costs. The new engines are significantly quieter, resulting in noise abatement for the passengers.
Fun fact: Passengers wanted to know when other vessels will get upgraded as this vessel is so pleasant to ride on.
Statue Cruises, LLC
Diesel Emissions Reduction Act
Statue Cruises, LLC
Diesel Emissions Reduction Act
The DEP’s Diesel Modernization Program (DMP) partnered with Statue Cruises on a project that would drastically reduce their overall diesel vessel emissions. Statue Cruises provides several diesel ferries that operate out of New York and New Jersey making around 30 trips a day to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
DEP awarded $279,025 from 2018/2019 USEPA DERA award and Statue Cruises contributed over $418,539 to upgrade the Statue of Liberty V ferry that is moored at Liberty State Park.
Project Description:
- Replaced two MY 1977 uncontrolled Caterpillar engines with new Tier 3 Caterpillar engines,
- Replaced two MY 1986 uncontrolled Isuzu Generators with new Tier 3 John Deere generators,
- Installed, at their own expense, new state-of-the-art Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) NOx controls to lower NOx from the Tier 3 engines and generators by over 97%.
- The total vessel horsepower (HP) was reduced from 2,446 HP to 1,694 HP, reducing the amount of fuel needed for operation.
Annual emissions reductions:
- 0.6 tons PM2.5
- 60 tons NOx
- 225 tons CO2
Fun Fact: Statue Cruises has been ferrying tourists to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island since January 1, 2008!
Red Hook Container Terminals, LLC
Volkswagen Mitigation Funds
Red Hook Container Terminals, LLC
Volkswagen Mitigation Funds
In 2021, DEP finalized a diesel replacement project with Red Hook Container Terminals, LLC for the replacement of 10 diesel port tractors with 10 new, all-electric port tractors. This project is among the first of its kind at New Jersey’s ports to fully electrify port equipment, and will significantly help improve air quality in the Newark area.
DEP was awarded $2.467 million from the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Fund for this project, and Red Hook Container Terminals contributed a mandatory cost share of $1.021 million.
Project Description:
- Replace 10 diesel port tractors with 10 electric port tractors
City of Jersey City
Volkswagen Mitigation Funds
City of Jersey City
Volkswagen Mitigation Funds
In early 2020, the City of Jersey City was awarded $2 million to cover the costs for five electric refuse trucks. The five electric trucks served as a replacement for five older, heavy-polluting diesel trucks, which were decommissioned to ensure they could no longer be used. The five electric refuse trucks are only a fraction of the City’s fleet, but they bring quiet, emissions-free operations to neighborhoods that need it most.
Project Description:
- Replace 5 diesel refuse trucks with 5 electric refuse trucks
Press Releases/News on the vehicles:
Jersey City’s Garbage Trucks go Electric (jcitytimes.com)
Jersey City Takes Delivery of Five Battery Electric Refuse Trucks – Green Fleet – Work Truck Online
