ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Maryland fuel retailers interested in expanding their natural-gas refueling offer can now apply for a state grant to help offset the cost. The new Natural Gas Refilling Station Grant program from the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) is aimed at increasing the number of publically accessible, fast-fill compressed (CNG) and liquid natural gas (LNG) fueling sites in the state.
Funded through the Strategic Energy Investment Fund in partnership with the Maryland Energy Administration, Maryland Clean Cities Coalition, Maryland Department of Environment and Gladstein Neandross & Associates, the new program aims to reduce Maryland’s greenhouse gas and ozone emissions, and its reliance on imported oil by building a natural-gas fueling infrastructure.
The program is open only to businesses—not utilities, local government or state agencies—that are in good standing with the state Department of Assessments and Taxation. The sites must be within Maryland; open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week; feature fast-fill dispensers; and be located along strategic transportation corridors such as major highways, shipping routes and population centers.
The MEA will award the fixed-price, reimbursable grants on a competitive basis, scoring applicants by such factors as:
- Estimated gallons of petroleum displaced
- Volume commitments and support from anchor fleets
- A minimum of 50% cost share by the applicant
- Geographic distribution of the stations
- Ability to complete the project in a specific timeframe
- Experience installing, operating and maintaining natural-gas refueling sites.
Businesses will receive reimbursement after the CNG, LNG or CNG/LNG fueling site has been built and necessary documentation submitted to the MEA. The grant program’s total funding for fiscal year 2015 is up to $2 million. The minimum grant per project location is $100,000, with the maximum $500,000.
Retailers interested in applying for a grant must submit their application by Jan. 12, 2015. More information is available at http://energy.maryland.gov/Transportation/natgasgrant.
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