$1.7 million grant program will provide funding to prepare gas stations for weather-related and other power emergencies
ANNAPOLIS — The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) announced the 'Fuel Up Maryland' program, a new initiative to provide assistance to service stations in the event of weather-related and other emergencies. The $1.7 million grant program will provide funding for service stations to pre-wire for back-up power generation from portable generators, fixed generators, and/or batteries. To qualify for the individual $15,000 grant the gas station must have fuel storage of more than 10,000 gallons, sell at least 75,000 gallons of fuel per year, and be one of the 650 service stations located within ½ mile of an on or off ramp of a Maryland evacuation route.
"Smart energy investments begin with keeping the lights on in our homes and businesses and ensuring that our citizens will have mobility options in the wake of an emergency,” said Abigail Ross Hopper, MEA Director. "This grant program will make Maryland more resilient and prepared to help our citizens when they need fuel the most."
The grant program opened on August 15, 2013 and will continue through June 2014. Applications will be accepted until all grant funds have been awarded. For more information and how to apply, visit: http://energy.maryland.gov/Business/fuelupmd/