AirCheckTexas Issues Replacements for Limited Time
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Jason Noble and his family were facing expensive repairs to their 1998 Nissan Altima after it had failed a recent emissions test. But then Noble heard he may be eligible for assistance to help buy a cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicle.
The AirCheckTexas Drive a Clean Machine Program has helped fix emissions problems for about a decade in an effort to clean up the region’s air. And it was about to benefit the Nobles. |
The program offers $600 vouchers toward repair costs and vouchers worth up to $3,500 to replace vehicles. A family of four earning up to $69,150 whose vehicle meets certain requirements may qualify for assistance.
Although expensive repairs are always inconvenient, for Noble and his family, the timing was right. A large budget deficit had forced the Texas Legislature to cut the program’s funding significantly in 2011, requiring the North Central Texas Council of Governments to suspend the replacement component in Dallas-Fort Worth last summer.
But in April, the replacement program was re-launched for a limited time, and the Nobles were among the hundreds of beneficiaries.
“We were ecstatic we were eligible. It was the boost we needed … ,” said Noble, children’s pastor at a Keller church. “We had a chance to get a newer car.”
Instead of taking the car to the repair shop, he began shopping for a replacement. The family eventually settled on a 2009 Toyota Corolla and is satisfied with the purchase.
“We’re very grateful,” he said.
In addition to being cleaner-burning and more dependable, the Corolla will save the family money on gas. He estimates a difference of between six and seven miles per gallon between the old and new cars.
More than 27,000 vehicles have been replaced with the help of the program, now in its 10th year. Another 25,000-plus have benefited from repair assistance.
This was the second time Noble and his family had traded in a vehicle under the program. They first replaced an old Jeep and received a significant boost in gas mileage.
AirCheckTexas has continued to distribute vouchers worth up to $600 for repair assistance year-round, ensuring that even while the replacement assistance was suspended, motorists whose vehicles failed the emissions portion of the state inspection could receive a hand addressing problems if they met the income guidelines.
Donna O’Rand also was confronted with an expensive car repair bill recently and was going to have trouble paying. With the help of the AirCheckTexas repair program, she was able to get her car fixed for $30, the AirCheckTexas co-pay.
“It really worked for me because I wouldn’t have been able to make those repairs otherwise,” she said.
The replacement component was again suspended June 29 after 1,300 vouchers were distributed this spring and summer. But it will return next year and help more people like the Nobles.
For information, visit www.nctcog.org/airchecktexas.
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