The Maryland Port Authority (MPA) has unveiled a plan to make its operations cleaner by replacing much of its dray trucks fleet with cleaner and newer models.
In a statement, the MPA said it planned to replace 20 trucks by Earth Day, 22 April 2021. The programme – dubbed “Dollars For Drays” – helps truck owners pay for new trucks and remove older diesel models from service.
Qualifying truck owner-operators and fleet owners are offered a rebate of 50% (up to a maximum of $30,000) toward the cost of a newer, cleaner truck. Grant funding comes from the US.
Environmental Protection Agency’s Diesel Emissions Reduction Act Program, and from Maryland’s Volkswagen mitigation agreement in coordination with the Maryland Department of the Environment.
Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Port Administration (MDOT MPA) Executive Director William P. Doyle, said, “The Dray Truck Replacement Program has been a significant contributor to reducing pollutants and cleaning the air around the Port of Baltimore.
“We strongly urge truck owners to take advantage of this unique opportunity that will help them purchase a newer, cleaner truck.”
MDOT Secretary Greg Slater, also commented, “Working with our partners at the state and federal level, MDOT MPA’s dray truck replacement program is an important element of the Port of Baltimore’s environmental stewardship.
“Dray truck replacement, our creative dredge reuse initiatives, our continued work at Masonville Cove and other programmes show how MDOT MPA is working hard to be environmentally responsible while creating jobs and growing Maryland’s economy.”
Since 2012, a total of 244 trucks have been replaced through the Dollars for Drays program. In addition to dray trucks, the Port’s Diesel Equipment Upgrade Program has replaced, repowered or retrofitted a variety of cargo-handling equipment, locomotive engines and marine engines.
Overall, the Port’s diesel emission reduction projects have helped lessen air pollution emissions at the Port by more than 5,100 tons.
Louis Campion, president and CEO of Maryland Motor Truck Association, also commented, “Dollars for Drays continues to offer significant economic benefits to local business owners while improving air quality in and around port communities.”
