A Berks County company has been awarded more than $825,000 in state funding to replace diesel-powered equipment with an electric alternative as part of a statewide initiative aimed at reducing fuel costs and improving air quality.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced that AMG Resources will receive $825,840 through the PA Freight Innovations in Transportation (PA-FIT) Grant Program.
The funding will support the replacement of a diesel-powered aggregate materials handler with a new grid-electric-powered materials handler. According to DEP, the project is expected to eliminate the use of approximately 15,562 gallons of diesel fuel annually, resulting in an estimated $102,554 in fuel cost savings.
The Berks County project is among 18 initiatives receiving a combined $19.6 million in funding across 14 Pennsylvania counties. The grants are designed to help businesses and organizations replace older diesel-powered equipment with cleaner technologies used in freight and cargo transportation.
State officials estimate the funded projects will collectively save recipients approximately $1.16 million in annual fuel costs, including $991,000 from projects replacing diesel engines with electric alternatives.
The improvements are also expected to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by approximately 88 tons annually, along with a combined 34-ton annual reduction in particulate matter, hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide.
“Improving air quality across Pennsylvania is a priority of the Shapiro Administration, and these grants will help organizations reduce polluting emissions from diesel engines,” said DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley. “Through this investment, we’re reducing harmful emissions while supporting cleaner transportation solutions and healthier communities.”
The PA-FIT program is part of DEP’s Driving PA Forward initiative, which supports efforts to reduce transportation-related emissions through equipment upgrades and alternative fuel technologies.
In addition to the Berks County award, grants were announced for projects in neighboring counties, including $137,225 for E Schneider & Sons in Lehigh County, $162,180 for Excel (DHL Supply Chain) in Lebanon County and $127,050 for Weiner Iron & Metal in Schuylkill County.
Additional projects across Pennsylvania include the replacement of diesel-powered buses, trucks, locomotives and industrial equipment with electric, propane-powered or newer diesel alternatives.
More information about the PA-FIT Grant Program is available through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
