ScRAPS 2 Program Launched

The Port of Seattle and the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency launched a new truck scrapping and replacement program yesterday.

Called ScRAPS 2 (Seaport Truck Scrappage and Replacements for Air in Puget Sound), the program’s goal is to help truckers calling on Port of Seattle terminals to have model-year 2007 or newer engines, or meet 2007 federal emissions standards, which are aimed at reducing air emissions from port-related activities.

“The Port of Seattle put a lot of work into reaching out to the trucker community to ensure they understood the process and were able to apply” said Stephanie Jones Stebbins, Seaport Environmental and Planning Director at the Port of Seattle.

ScRAPS is partially funded by federal and state grants, and is expected to provide up to $20,000 to owners who scrap old drayage trucks and replace them with trucks with model-year 2007 or newer engines.

“ScRAPS is a proven model of success in helping truck drivers upgrade to newer, less-polluting engines,” said Andrew Green, Director of Air Quality Programs at the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. ”To date, scrappage rebate programs throughout our region have removed over 400 dirty trucks from our roads. We appreciate the Port’s ongoing support and commitment to healthy ports and healthy communities.”

The current level of funding will provide incentives for approximately 180 trucks. This project is expected to run through mid-2015, or until funds are depleted. The port also is investigating other financing and assistance programs to help truck owners meet the Clean Truck Program requirements, and has partnered with the African Chamber of Commerce of the Pacific Northwest Region to offer workshops for drayage truck owner/operators. The workshops offer assistance and resources designed to build business performance capacity.