A program that pays truck owners incentives to scrap their existing vehicles and buy lower-emission trucks is broadening its eligibility rules to include smaller and later model trucks.
The wider criteria are aimed at increasing participation in the program which has scrapped 40 older model trucks since last fall. The program, Tacoma Truck Scrappage and Replacements for Air in Puget Sound, is aimed at decreasing pollution at the Port of Tacoma by 2015.
The program is operated through a partnership between the City of Tacoma and Cascade Sierra Solutions at a Tacoma Tideflats location. Based on the revised criteria, the program is now open to truck owners who own a Class 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 truck with a pre-1998 model year engine that operates in Pierce County.
Previously, only Class 8 trucks with pre-1994 model year engines operating in the Tacoma area were eligible.
Currently, trucks serving port terminals are required to have model year 1994 or newer engines. By 2015, 80 percent of trucks serving the Port are required to have model year 2007 or newer engines.
Depending on the model year of the trucks scrapped and purchased, owners may qualify for incentives of $2,500 to $20,000 to replace their older trucks, said program managers.
Truck owners can find out if their truck qualifies by calling 253-617-3201 or visiting the Tacoma ScRAPS office at 2002 Stewart St. between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
John Gillie, john.gillie@thenewstribune.com