---

The Port Commission of The Port of Houston Authority (PHA) will today consider a Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) grant request to help private industry with funding for diesel engine air emission reduction measures as well as nearly $4 million for Bayport Container Terminal projects.

The commission is being asked to authorize an application for American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 funding to benefit Port of Houston maritime industry members. As part of the economic stimulus package signed into federal law in February, approximately $300 million has been made available for Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) grants through EPA regions nationwide.

DERA grants focus on promoting economic recovery, reducing diesel emissions in all types of diesel-powered modes of transportation, including ships, tugboats, ferries, trucks and trains and preserving and creating jobs.

The program works to achieve these goals by providing funding assistance for engine repowers, equipment replacement, and retrofit technologies, with the aim of reducing air emission from diesel engines. Each grant application is expected to show not only air emission benefits for the region, but also job retention or creation for the region, since all monies received through these grants must be expended no later than September 2010. The port authority will provide assistance to private industry to help obtain these benefits.

The meeting will be held today at 9 a.m. in the board room of the PHA Executive Building, 111 East Loop North (Exit 29 off Loop 610) in Houston.

Chairman Jim Edmonds will preside over the meeting with Commissioner Steve Phelps, Commissioner Jim Fonteno, Commissioner Kase Lawal, Commissioner Jimmy Burke, Commissioner Janiece Longoria and Commissioner Elyse Lanier.