| Location |
I-5 Corridor, Oregon |
| PPP Option |
Other |
| Mode |
Truck |
| Description |
Cascade Sierra Solutions – a recently established non-profit organization – will be responsible for deploying the SmartWay Upgrade Kits, which can include:
- Engine idle reduction technology, such as an auxiliary power unit, direct fired heater, or truck stop electrification;
- Low rolling resistance tires;
- Advanced aerodynamics for tractors and trailers;
- Exhaust after-treatment devices, such as oxidation catalysts and particulate filters.
SmartWay Upgrade Kits can reduce fuel consumption, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen oxide emissions by 10 to 15 percent. When the kit includes an exhaust after-treatment device, particulate matter emissions are reduced by 25 percent to 90 percent, depending upon the type of technology.
Over the next two years Cascade Sierra Solutions plans to open five technology retail centers near truck stops along the Interstate 5 corridor from Los Angeles to Seattle. The stores will offer more than 40 fuel-saving products at manufacturers' group-rate discounts and help qualified truckers complete paperwork for tax rebates and small business loans to finance the technology upgrades. |
| Project Sponsor |
Oregon Department of Transportation, Oregon Department of Energy, in partnership with U.S. DOT, U.S. EPA, SmartWay Transport Partnership, West Coast Diesel Collaborative, the trucking industry, and Cascade Sierra Solutions |
| Cost |
$5.0 million |
| Revenue Sources |
Sales |
| Project Delivery / Contract Method |
NA |
| Private Partner |
Cascade Sierra Solutions, EPA West Coast Diesel Collaborative, EPA SmartWay Transport Partnership, trucking industry |
| Project Advisors |
NA |
| Lenders |
Oregon Transportation Infrastructure Bank (OTIB) |
| Duration / Status |
To be deployed by mid 2008 |
| Financial Status |
Closed |
| Innovations |
The application of SIB funds is unique, as SIB funds are typically expended on more traditional projects such as highway and bridge construction. The Upgrade Kits are also eligible for a 35% tax credit through the Oregon Department of Energy.
Because of the fuel savings, upfront capital costs of SmartWay kits are generally paid back within one to three years. In addition to the short payback period, if a loan is needed to purchase an upgrade kit, the monthly fuel savings exceed the monthly loan payments, thus increasing profits from the first day companies use the kits. Trucks using the full compliment of SmartWay technology can expect to save approximately 300 gallons of fuel per month.
This marks the first deployment of SmartWay Upgrade Kits and innovative financing along a major transportation corridor. The U.S. DOT, EPA, and DOE intend to work together with State and local governments, non-profits, state trucking associations in an effort to replicate this deployment strategy around the country. |
| Related Links / Articles |
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/innovativefinance/index.htm
http://www.epa.gov/smartway
http://www.westcoastcollaborative.org
http://www.cascadesierrasolutions.org
Daily Journal of Commerce |
| Contacts |
Diane Turchetta
Federal Highway Administration
Diane.turchetta@dot.gov
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