Clean Diesel Program Upgrades Equipment, Saves Fuel and Environment

Thanks to a $2 million federal economic stimulus grant, we have the opportunity to help growers update their irrigation equipment from outdated less efficient irrigation pump engines to new, cleaner and more efficient ones. We will reimburse qualified growers up to 65 percent of the cost of the new pump engine. 

This is good news for our growers because it will greatly reduce their fuel consumption; and it is good news for our economy because it will increase demand for mechanics, equipment distributors and manufacturers.   

The program encourages growers to trade out their old pump engines for more efficient Tier III engines. These new engines burn about 2 to 3 gallons of fuel per hour, which is far less than older model engines. In fact, a grower like Peter could save on average of about 1,000 gallons of fuel per year.

We hope growers will take advantage of this opportunity to switch to the cleaner burning pump engines that can cut back on greenhouse gases. There will be an informational meeting on Wednesday, August 12, 2009 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Cooperative Extension Auditorium, 18710 SW 288 Street, Homestead, FL 33030. For more information please contact Agricultural Manager Charles LaPradd at 305-971-5091.

Miami-Dade County is at the forefront of green initiatives, but we need to make sure our efforts stretch beyond the confines of County government by forming partnerships with businesses, industries and residents.

It's not only the right thing to do but it's the smart thing to do.

Thank you.

Mayor Carlos Alvarez