ARLINGTON – AirCheckTexas Drive a Clean Machine, a program that has helped thousands of motorists purchase newer, more fuel-efficient vehicles, began accepting applications for replacement assistance in the North Texas area on Jan. 28.
Residents with vehicles that have failed the emissions portion of the state inspection in the past 30 days or are more than 10 years old are encouraged to apply for replacement assistance if they meet the income criteria and certain vehicle requirements, available at www.nctcog.org/airchecktexas.
This is the second year in a row the program has operated on a limited basis, following the Legislature’s decision in 2011 to reduce funding in an effort to help balance the budget. The repair component of the program, offering vouchers worth as much as $600, has continued year-round.
During the three months the replacement component of the program was open in fiscal year 2012, more than 900 vouchers were used. Since the program began in 2002, 28,504 vehicles have been replaced, while 27,134 have been repaired with the help of vouchers.
A family of four earning $69,150 per year may receive assistance, but income guidelines could change in February. The 10-year-old program offers $3,000 vouchers toward replacement of a vehicle with a newer, cleaner automobile. The amount increases to $3,500 if the newer car or truck is a hybrid, electric or natural gas-powered vehicle.
AirCheckTexas has helped the area move closer to compliance with federal ozone standards. Assistance is open to vehicle owners in nine Dallas-Fort Worth area counties (Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall and Tarrant).
For program guidelines, an application and a video explaining the process, visit www.nctcog.org/airchecktexas.
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