Jul. 28--Businesses who use diesel-powered heavyduty vehicles and are looking to upgrade to cleaner burning vehicles may be able to get help.

The Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District is looking to distribute up to $824,000 in grants to businesses and farms in the High Desert that are in the process of switching from dieequipment to cleanerburning vehicles. Violette Roberts, community relations and education manager for the district, said the funds will be used to offset the cost of upgrading to the cleaner technology.

"For instance, a company can purchase a new truck that meets minimum state emission standards for $200,000 or buy a lower emission truck for $225,000," she said. "(The company) would be able to apply for $25,000."

The deadline to apply for the grant is 5 p.m. Oct. 20. For more information, log on to www.mdaqmd. ca.gov.

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