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The Port of Houston’s port commission recently authorized $500,000 for the Tier 4 Marine and Locomotive Advanced Powertrain Technology Program, which is designed to reduce air emissions from locomotives and local marine sources.

The funding will help demonstrate the program and assist with commercializing improved diesel-emission controls. The port authority is coordinating the $78 million program through a public/private partnership including GE Transportation, FEV Inc., Southwest Research and the Houston Advanced Research Center to accelerate the development, deployment and implementation of Tier 4 engines for locomotives and marine vessels.

GE Transportation has committed $20 million in matching funds and the port authority and other partners are seeking federal and state grants to cover remaining costs.

Meanwhile, the port commission also approved a $757,880 contract to Forde Construction Co. Inc. to complete the Gate One railroad crossing rehabilitation project at Turning Basin Terminal. The project calls for installing new concrete panels at four grade crossings at the newly constructed Gate One Road.