DJer, Thank You so much for the grant info.
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Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 87
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From: Brighton, MI USA
Copied from the Detroit News....
Clean fuel auto incentives explode Arizona's budget. Governor hopes to put brakes on $420 million program
Michael Chow/Associated Press
Paul Davenport / Associated Press
PHOENIX -- It seemed like a good idea in a state where the capital city's skyline is almost always obscured by a brown cloud of pollution.
The state would sweeten existing incentives to encourage residents to buy vehicles that use clean fuels, such as natural gas, propane or electricity, and help clean the air.
But the program proved too popular: So many residents rushed to take advantage of the tax breaks offered by the state that the program's costs have spiraled nearly out of control.
Figures released this week show the program will cost at least $420 million, about 7 percent of the $6 billion annual state budget. When approved by Gov. Jane Hull, the program was expected to cost $3 million to $10 million.
"This amount of money could have built 50 new schools," Hull said. "It is a cancer that is eating away at every portion of the state budget."
The governor summoned state legislators to a special session beginning today, hoping to put the brakes on the program, at least for a year.
About 20,000 applications have been filed so far for the program's tax credits and grants, which allow people buying alternative-fuel vehicles or converting conventional vehicles to get a car at a drastically reduced price.
A typical deal: Buy a $24,000 vehicle and pay $6,000 to convert it to run on alternative fuels, then get tax breaks worth $18,250 on your next income tax return.
Critics say the program is too generous and riddled with loopholes.
Vehicles that run on both gasoline and propane or natural gas are eligible for the subsidies, but there is no requirement that alternative fuel must be used or even that the vehicle remain in Arizona.
There is no minimum size for the alternative fuel tank, and some dealers have installed some as small as 3 gallons. Luxury items, such as leather seats and CD players, are included when the state's subsidy is calculated.
The program already was on the books but was seldom used until the Legislature approved the sweeping changes in April to make it more attractive.
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2001 F150 SuperCrew 4x4 XLT, 5.4L, Toreador Red, Dark Graphite Cloth, Moon Roof, 60/40 Bench, 17" 10-spoke wheels, Sliding Rear Window, Remote Keyless Entry, CD Changer, Limited Slip, Bed Extender, Bug Shield, Nerf Bars, Rhino Spray-In Bedliner, Access Roll-Up Tonneau Cover
Clean fuel auto incentives explode Arizona's budget. Governor hopes to put brakes on $420 million program
Michael Chow/Associated Press
Paul Davenport / Associated Press
PHOENIX -- It seemed like a good idea in a state where the capital city's skyline is almost always obscured by a brown cloud of pollution.
The state would sweeten existing incentives to encourage residents to buy vehicles that use clean fuels, such as natural gas, propane or electricity, and help clean the air.
But the program proved too popular: So many residents rushed to take advantage of the tax breaks offered by the state that the program's costs have spiraled nearly out of control.
Figures released this week show the program will cost at least $420 million, about 7 percent of the $6 billion annual state budget. When approved by Gov. Jane Hull, the program was expected to cost $3 million to $10 million.
"This amount of money could have built 50 new schools," Hull said. "It is a cancer that is eating away at every portion of the state budget."
The governor summoned state legislators to a special session beginning today, hoping to put the brakes on the program, at least for a year.
About 20,000 applications have been filed so far for the program's tax credits and grants, which allow people buying alternative-fuel vehicles or converting conventional vehicles to get a car at a drastically reduced price.
A typical deal: Buy a $24,000 vehicle and pay $6,000 to convert it to run on alternative fuels, then get tax breaks worth $18,250 on your next income tax return.
Critics say the program is too generous and riddled with loopholes.
Vehicles that run on both gasoline and propane or natural gas are eligible for the subsidies, but there is no requirement that alternative fuel must be used or even that the vehicle remain in Arizona.
There is no minimum size for the alternative fuel tank, and some dealers have installed some as small as 3 gallons. Luxury items, such as leather seats and CD players, are included when the state's subsidy is calculated.
The program already was on the books but was seldom used until the Legislature approved the sweeping changes in April to make it more attractive.
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2001 F150 SuperCrew 4x4 XLT, 5.4L, Toreador Red, Dark Graphite Cloth, Moon Roof, 60/40 Bench, 17" 10-spoke wheels, Sliding Rear Window, Remote Keyless Entry, CD Changer, Limited Slip, Bed Extender, Bug Shield, Nerf Bars, Rhino Spray-In Bedliner, Access Roll-Up Tonneau Cover
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Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 280
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From: Globe, AZ
DJer,
I got to bring my Crew home on Fri, but the check engine light was on for the emiisions as soon as I started it. They said I could take it the 3 miles home, but would have to bring it back after the weekend. So it sat in the narrow garage all weekend. I tried to put the billet grill on, but doesn't seem to fit. It rained all weekend, so I hope to get the Waag bars put on within a couple days. The brackets look quite easy to bolt on.
It's nice that they put the propane filler behind the license plate.
I got to bring my Crew home on Fri, but the check engine light was on for the emiisions as soon as I started it. They said I could take it the 3 miles home, but would have to bring it back after the weekend. So it sat in the narrow garage all weekend. I tried to put the billet grill on, but doesn't seem to fit. It rained all weekend, so I hope to get the Waag bars put on within a couple days. The brackets look quite easy to bolt on.
It's nice that they put the propane filler behind the license plate.