Port of Pittsburgh Applies for ARRA Grant

The commonwealth has applied for a $1.5 million Clean Diesel Emerging Technology grant through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to upgrade two marine diesel engines in the Pittsburgh area, Governor Edward G. Rendell announced.

"Diesel engines play important roles in our everyday lives, but old, inefficient engines are major sources of air pollution that make it difficult for many people to breathe," Governor Rendell said. "Diesel emissions are not limited to our highways and factories. Marine vessels used at the Port of Pittsburgh are essential to moving freight along the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio rivers, but they also diminish the region's air quality.This ARRA grant would fund an overhaul on both propulsion engines in the Pittsburgh-based vessel Champion Coal, which operates on a 200-mile stretch of the Monongahela and Ohio rivers. Caterpillar dealer Cleveland Brothers in Murrysville will upgrade the tow boat's two engines, which will reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency.In addition to the environmental benefits, the Governor said the project would also help strengthen the local economy by creating or retaining 32 jobs.

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