The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is offering grants to support the reduction of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions by implementing Stage 1 vapor recovery systems at gasoline-dispensing facilities (GDFs) across Minnesota. The grant funding aims to support facilities in either required or voluntary installations of these systems, which capture VOCs during gasoline transfers to underground storage tanks (USTs), reducing emissions by up to 95%. This funding can also cover maintenance, testing, repairs, and parts replacement for existing systems, as well as optional pressure testing post-installation. Stage 1 vapor recovery systems are designed to be quick to install and maintain, causing minimal disruption to business operations.

The primary purpose of this grant is to promote environmental stewardship and compliance with federal and state regulations for VOC emissions at gas stations. The funding supports upgrades that enhance the containment integrity of USTs, which can prevent external contamination from water or dust and provide for cost-effective testing to detect minor leaks. This initiative aligns with the 2008 National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP 6C) and the 2016 state mandate requiring vapor recovery systems at high-throughput retail stations in Minnesota’s Twin Cities metropolitan area.

Funding is limited to $250,000, with individual awards capped at $24,500 per application. Each recipient must contribute a 25% match of the total project cost, which can be financed through cash, loans, or non-state grants. Eligible projects include initial installations, replacements, repairs, and maintenance of Stage 1 vapor recovery systems on existing or new USTs at GDFs. Facilities eligible for funding include privately owned GDFs with fewer than 500 full-time employees and a monthly gasoline throughput of 100,000 gallons or less. Additionally, government or tribal-owned facilities and nonprofit organizations are also eligible for this funding.

Applications must be submitted via the Statewide Integrated Financial Tools (SWIFT) Supplier Portal by 4 p.m. CT on November 18, 2024. Applicants must register on the portal, view the RFP documents under event ID 2000016243, and submit their applications electronically. Those already registered in SWIFT as suppliers can use their existing IDs to apply. Any questions about the RFP must be emailed to grants.pca@state.mn.us by November 11, 2024, with responses posted in the SWIFT portal. Direct communication with MPCA personnel regarding the RFP outside of these guidelines is not permitted and may lead to disqualification.

The application process through the SWIFT portal requires prospective applicants to register as bidders if they are not already in the system. The portal provides access to the RFP, bid package, and necessary forms, and additional support is available via the Vendor Assistance Help Desk. Applicants are encouraged to review all instructions in the SWIFT portal for a successful submission.

The MPCA will assess applications based on compliance with eligibility requirements, the potential impact on VOC emissions reduction, and the feasibility of project execution within the outlined scope. The grant aligns with Minnesota’s air quality goals and VOC emission regulations, contributing to cleaner air and reduced health risks associated with gasoline vapors. The final deadline for submission is 4 p.m. CT on November 18, 2024.