ALBANY, N.Y. -- Gasoline retailers in downstate New York now have access to $12 million in funding to install permanent emergency generators.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced the funding for the Fuel NY initiative, which aims to keep gas stations in strategic locations operational and able to dispense fuel to first responders and residents during power outages. In making the announcement, Cuomo cited the chaos inflicted by 2012’s Superstorm Sandy to New York’s fueling infrastructure.
“During Superstorm Sandy we experienced first-hand the crippling effects that gasoline disruptions have on recovery operations,” said Cuomo. “As hurricane season approaches, this Fuel NY funding will help prevent this scenario from repeating during future emergencies and ensuring our first responders have the resources to help those in need.”
The Permanent Generator Initiative will pass out $12 million in grants to gas stations in “highly strategic” locations to help offset the cost of buying and installing a permanent emergency generator. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) will administer the grants. In awarding grants, NYSERDA administrators will score applicants based on:
- Services available at their sites (fuel types, hours of operation, food, ice, etc.)
- Fuel capacity (number of dispensers and fuel storage capacity)
- Accessibility for first responders and customers, including proximity to major highways
- Whether the site currently serves first responders and authorities
- Cost, or the requested grant amount (90% to 100% of installation costs) divided by the size of the generator.
The $12 million in funding should help cover costs for up to 200 gas stations. The initiative taps into funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. Once installed, the permanent generators should speed up power availability for gas pumps, as well as reduce the need for portable generators, which Fuel NY currently provides to downstate gas stations in New York City, Long Island and Rockland and Westchester counties.
Fuel retailers can apply for the grants online here. The deadline for applications is Sept. 15.
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