The Washington State Department of Transportation has officially launched its new Washington Zero-Emission Incentive Program, or WAZIP, to help businesses and fleet operators transition to zero-emission commercial vehicles.
[Above photo via WSDOT]
Funded by the state’s Climate Commitment Act, a total of $112 million in voucher incentives are available through this program – designed to cover roughly 40 percent of the purchase price for 100 types of low-emission medium- and heavy-duty trucks as well as various types of construction and farm equipment.
The agency noted that incentive vouchers are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and that small businesses with less than $10 million in annual gross receipts are eligible for larger incentives. Buyers can request point-of-sale vouchers through pre-approved vehicle and equipment dealerships across the state, WSDOT said.
“It’s exciting to see so many interested in the program,” said Julie Meredith, WSDOT secretary, in a statement. “Our state continues to be at the forefront of innovative opportunity with this program and opens up clean transportation to those who otherwise may not have thought about it before.”
“This program is an economic powerhouse for our state. It helps businesses modernize their fleets, dealerships increase their sales, and residents live healthier lives through reduced emissions,” noted Governor Bob Ferguson (D) during a launch event for the WAZIP program.
“We’re investing $112 million to make the purchase of cleaner commercial vehicles and equipment more affordable for a wide-range of companies – big and small – across the state,” he said.
WSDOT noted that the WAZIP program is being implemented by operations partner CALSTART, which also manages a similar program in California. An online implementation manual provides details about WAZIP guidelines, eligibility and funding rules, WSDOT noted.
