As the MSRC prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary next year, it is worth looking back to see how far it has come and where it's headed. Created in 1990, the MSRC's mission is unique in that its sole purpose is to distribute Clean Transportation Funding to projects that help reduce emissions from mobile sources throughout the South Coast Air District. It's also unique to the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) - there's only one MSRC in the state.
The MSRC was established by AB 2766 (Sher), which authorized the collection of a $4 vehicle registration fee surcharge to fund projects designed to reduce air pollution from motor vehicles. Within the Southland, thirty percent of the funding goes into a discretionary fund to be allocated by the MSRC for mobile source emission reduction projects. Another 30 percent of the funding goes to the SCAQMD for planning, monitoring, research and other clean air activities, and the remaining 40 percent goes to SCAQMD to distribute to cities and counties for projects to reduce motor vehicle air pollution.
Early on, the MSRC was "the only game in town," providing funding for clean air projects before other programs, like the Carl Moyer Air Quality Standards Attainment Program, were created. The MSRC is also one of the oldest and longest continuously running incentive programs in the state. One reason for this may be its philosophy for designing its incentive programs - keep it simple; keep it local. The MSRC works diligently each year to create its Work Program by carefully considering the most effective ways to provide emission reductions that meet the needs of local communities. By keeping the project categories simple and targeted toward local needs, and the application process straightforward, the MSRC's Work Program is consistently oversubscribed year-after-year.
The MSRC has provided more than $250 million in Clean Transportation Funding to cities and counties, transit agencies and private businesses. Some of this money has funded traditional projects such as purchasing alternative fuel vehicles and equipment, building fueling stations, and installing retrofit devices. In fact, over the MSRC's history, alternative fuel projects have accounted for more than 60 percent of its funding allocations.
The MSRC also has been a pioneer, funding innovative projects that are leading the way in developing creative solutions to tackle the Basin's unique air pollution problems. Some of these projects have included funding the Metro Freeway Service Patrol and traffic signal synchronization projects to keep traffic moving; establishing rideshare campaigns like "Pick a day-any day" and Rideshare 2 School; creating sources for commuter information like commutesmart.info and the soon-to-launch regional 511 program; funding the deployment of on-board diagnostic systems that monitor vehicle emissions; and funding studies on the goods movement industry and its impacts on air quality.
The MSRC is also looking toward the future as it funds new, cutting-edge programs. One such program is the Showcase Program, which is helping manufacturers and fleet operators demonstrate retrofit technology to clean up dirty diesel construction equipment. A joint program of the MSRC, the California Air Resources Board, and the South Coast Air Quality Management District, this first-of-its-kind program is being closely watched by other agencies in the hopes that it can be replicated at both the state and federal levels.
"We look forward to celebrating with our current and past project partners who have worked so hard over the last two decades to improve air quality for everyone," said Ron Roberts, Chair of the MSRC. "As we look toward the next twenty years, we hope to continue these valuable partnerships and develop new relationships and new programs that will call others to action."
Plans are underway for an event to celebrate the MSRC's 20th anniversary. The MSRC would love to hear from our project partners to see how the MSRC's Clean Transportation Funding has contributed to your clean air goals over the years. Please submit your stories, photos and comments to ineedinfo@cleantransportation.org, and watch for more information about our upcoming celebration next year.
Pictured below: The MSRC meets at its 2009 annual retreat.
