Small trucking businesses from Minnesota have an opportunity to obtain a low-interest loan for specific equipment purchases that will cut emissions.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s Small Business Environmental Improvement Loan Program provides loans of between $1,000 and $50,000 at an interest rate of either 4 percent or half the prime rate – whichever is higher. The repayment term is a maximum of seven years.

Applications will be evaluated based on the applicant’s financial need and ability to secure and repay the loan, as well as the projects’ expected environmental benefits.

“Benefits include reduced worker exposures … and reduced regulatory burdens,” the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency stated on its Web site. “Frequently, these benefits also have a positive impact on the businesses’ bottom line.”

The loan program will accept applications based on quarterly deadlines, including by April 1, July 1 and Oct. 1. For more information, contact Mike Nelson at 800-985-4247 or e-mail michael.nelson@pca.state.mn.us.

Joe Rajkovacz, OOIDA director of regulatory affairs, said the Association will continue to make truckers aware of local, state and federal grant programs. OOIDA informs members through its Web sites, Land Line Magazine and daily satellite radio show Land Line Now on Sirius XM.

“It’s important that small-business truckers know this money is out there,” Rajkovacz said. “We’ve helped to put literally millions of dollars into the hands of our members.”

OOIDA’s Guide to Free Money is available here.