The Port of Houston Authority welcomed environmental, trucking and transportation professionals for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Drayage Truck Incentive Program grant workshop Oct. 17 held at the Executive Building.

The TCEQ Drayage Truck Incentive Program was designed to provide incentives for the replacement of vehicles and equipment operating at various seaports and Class I rail yards in nonattainment areas of Texas, including the Port of Houston.

Owned or leased vehicles, non-road yard trucks and other cargo handling equipment are eligible to be replaced through the program. Up to $4.7 million in reimbursement grants are available to applicants. The grants help the Houston region better improve air quality with these incentives.

Up to 80 percent of the cost to replace eligible vehicles or equipment may be awarded for activities that help reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides and other pollutants at industrial facilities, nonattainment placement areas and other affected counties.

“This workshop is a great platform to educate truckers about funding support. Grant opportunities like this are a benefit for truck owners and operators. Last year alone, 47 trucks were approved for funding through the program,” said Ken Gathright, PHA Environmental Compliance Coordinator.