Rails, Keels, and Wheels: Funding Opportunity for Businesses, Non-profits, and Operators of Large Vehicles

As of October 8th, 2025, the Washington Department of Ecology began accepting applications for zero-emission vehicle projects for funding. This grant program will fund $25 million of alternative fuel vehicles for eligible applicants.

Those who may apply include:

• Organizations licensed in Washington State (e.g. Corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, legal business entities, non-profit organizations, investor-owned utilities, contracted municipal utilities and multi-unit/multi-family residential buildings)

• WA State, local or Tribal governments (e.g. Cities, towns, State or local parks, counties, special districts, port authorities, public utility districts, municipal utilities, air pollution control authorities and clean air agencies)

While eligible project categories include replacing or repowering of the following:

• Class 4-8, Engine Model Year 1992-2009 vehicles

  • Emergency Vehicles 

  • Paratransit

  • Local Freight

• Freight Switcher Locomotive: Pre-Tier 4 that operates 1000 or more hours per year

• Tugboat (Repowering only): Unregulated, Tier 1, or Tier 2 

Learn about your eligibility, project categories and the application process for the Rails, Keels, and Wheels Grant Program from this document by Washington’s Department of Ecology, which can be found here.

Applications must be submitted by January 8th 2026, at 5:00 PM PST. 

For further information and assistance for applications, please contact our Grant Manager, Spencer Bienstock, at spencer@nwcleancities.org