The Environmental Protection Agency is delivering more than $21.9 million dollars to the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority to provide a greener future and cut pollution from port equipment.

Detroit’s Port Authority runs several terminals that move goods and passengers. Steel is the most valuable cargo, while ore is the heaviest. The port also handles things like stone, coal, and cement. The grant will help cover the cost of equipment like electric forklifts, cranes, rail car movers, charging stations, and solar panels.

Port of Detroit Director Mark Schrupp is excited about adding six battery-operated forklift trucks.

“Electric equipment is good, but in the long run, the heavier duty equipment will probably run better with hydrogen-powered fuel cell equipment,” Schrupp said. “A lot of that equipment is still in research phase, so we’re not in a position to transition right now.”

Schrupp says the funding will help the port reach its goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 while also improving air quality in the Southwest Detroit area. It has been deemed the worst air quality in Michigan.

The funding comes from the Inflation Reduction Act and EPA’s Clean Ports.