NEWMAN — The City of Newman is positioning itself to tap into regional air quality grants to help fund cleaner, more efficient public service vehicles, following a City Council vote  authorizing staff to pursue future agreements with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District.

The council adopted a resolution on July 22, allowing the city manager or fire chief to apply for and execute funding agreements through the district’s Public Benefit Grants Program. The program offers financial support to public agencies for clean-air projects, including up to $20,000 per vehicle for the purchase of new alternative-fuel models.

City officials said the Fire Department plans to replace its aging command vehicle—a 2009 Dodge Charger originally passed down from the Police Department—with a new Ford Interceptor Utility Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) SUV. The current vehicle, used daily for enforcement, emergency response and investigations, has exceeded its useful life and now requires repairs that surpass its value.

“The new hybrid vehicle will allow the Fire Department to continue providing efficient and effective services while reducing emissions,” staff said in a report to council.

The Ford Interceptor Utility HEV is listed as an eligible vehicle under the grant program’s law enforcement subcategory. The estimated cost of the vehicle is $55,918.16, with the grant expected to cover $20,000. The remaining cost is already included in the Fire Department’s fiscal year 2025–2026 budget.

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District developed the Public Benefit Grants Program to support clean-air initiatives across Valley communities. City officials said the program aligns with Newman’s goals of improving public health and environmental sustainability.

“This is a smart investment in both public safety and air quality,” staff said. “We’re committed to leveraging available resources to benefit our residents and the region.”