Tacoma Rail, port partner to seek federal emission-reduction grant

The Port of Tacoma, Wash., has partnered with Tacoma Rail and Totem Ocean Trailer Express to apply for a federal Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) program grant.

The grant would help fund locomotive and vessel engine retrofits, leading to improved air quality in the industrial area, port officials said in a press release.

Thirty-nine elected officials and organizations in Washington state and Alaska provided letters of support for the partners' application. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is expected to announce DERA grant recipients in late March.

In January 2010, DERA grants were reauthorized through fiscal-year 2016. The DERA program provides up to $100 million annually for projects designed to reduce diesel-engine emissions, such as through idle-control devices, more aerodynamic equipment, engine and vehicle replacements, and alternative fuels.

Tacoma Rail provides switching and terminal rail services at the port, while four on- and near-dock intermodal yards in Tacoma are served by BNSF Railway Co. and Union Pacific Railroad.