Background
Oregon DEQ's pilot grant program for supporting medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicle charging and fueling infrastructure projects is established by the State Legislature in HB 5202 and HB 4139 (2022).
This one-time funding of approximately $15 million is intended to support grants to public or private entities for capital improvements and technical assistance to support the installation of charging infrastructure for zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. Oregon DEQ will fund projects that meet criteria as established by the Oregon Legislature and the agency through a competitive, rolling application process. The goal of this grant program is to accelerate Oregon's transition from older, more polluting vehicles and equipment to new zero-emission trucks, buses and equipment. In addition, DEQ wants to facilitate development of a robust infrastructure to support a diverse range of Oregon fleets and fueling locations. Successful applicants will apply with comprehensive project plans for zero-emission fueling and request funding for the installation of the charging infrastructure and equipment.
The OZEF Capital Improvement Grants Application pertains to projects that are ready to implement eligible capital improvements on site. Projects that are currently in need of technical-assistance funding should respond to the OZEF Technical Assistance Grant Application.
Eligible applicants
To apply for funding, a person (as defined in 340-200-0020, including individuals, corporations and government entities) or one of Oregon's federally recognized tribes, must complete the application (Appendix A) and submit it to DEQ. The due date for the initial review period is Jan. 17, 2023. Applications submitted after that date will be reviewed on a rolling monthly basis until all program funding has been spent. All projects and fleets must be based entirely in Oregon to ensure the air quality benefits of DEQ's investments accrue inside the state.
Eligible expenses
DEQ's goal for this pilot program is to support a diverse range of Oregon fleets and fueling locations as they design and build medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicle and equipment fueling facilities of the future. Eligible expenses for Capital Improvement Grants include, but are not limited to, charging unit costs and utility improvements for the infrastructure site. Incentive amounts for the Capital Improvement Grants will be up to 80% of eligible project expenses for selected general applicants and up to 100% for Certification Office for Business Inclusion and Diversity (COBID) applicants. Eligible expenses for the Technical Assistance Grants include but are not limited to utility site assessments and other planning services. Incentive amounts for the Technical Assistance Grants will be 50% of eligible project expenses for select applicants and up to 100% for COBID applicants.
Program status
DEQ will open the program for applications on Nov 15, 2022. Applicants for Capital Improvement grants must establish clear project plans if they wish to receive funding. Electrifying a fleet of medium- or heavy-duty vehicles is a long-term effort requiring several layers of planning, analysis, investment, change management and maintenance. In addition to a detailed fleet transition plan, applicants must complete site assessments with all relevant utilities and vendors to determine their fleet's needs and the viability of the required infrastructure. Finally, applicants should include a detailed project timeline showing how each phase of planning leads to the next and to the ultimate delivery of zero-emission vehicles and charging infrastructure in Oregon.
DEQ also offers financial support through the Technical Assistance grants on planning activities based on clear and concise descriptions of required planning support. Applicants for Technical Assistance grants must establish their project planning needs if they wish to receive funding. Electrifying a fleet of medium- or heavy-duty vehicles requires a lot of planning to understand the requirements of readying the site for ZEV fueling infrastructure. Applicants should include a list of all necessary planning activities including estimates for utility planning, construction assessments or other necessary third-party consultation services.
Applications and requirements
Nov. 15, 2022 – Jan. 17, 2023: Initial Application Period
February 2023: Initial Award Announcement
Jan. 16, 2023 – Ongoing: Rolling Application Period
Rolling Application Review: After DEQ announces initial awards, the agency will review applications monthly and make additional award decisions until all available funds are allocated.
If you have questions about the program, application or requirements, please contact DEQ at dieselgrants@deq.oregon.gov.