Auto processing consolidated in Port Newark

Auto processing consolidated in Port Newark Port Authority of New York and New Jersey commissioners approved plans Thursday to consolidate auto-processing on the north side of the Port Newark Channel.
   The plans include a new lease with auto processor FAPS Inc. for a 201-acre site on the north side of the Port Newark Channel and the integration of WWL Vehicle Services Americas Inc.'s auto processing operation into FAPS' new leasehold. In turn, WWL, an affiliate of Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics, will surrender a lease of 60 acres in nearby Port Elizabeth.
   The commissioners also approved plans to reduce pollution from trucks and trains in the port.
   A $28 million program, funded partially with a $7 million federal grant, will encourage owners of up to 636 pre-1994 trucks regularly serving the port to purchase newer vehicles. Through the use of the federal grant funds, the program will pay one-fourth of the cost of the purchase of a newer model truck. The rest of the program funds will be used to provide low-interest loans.
   ACCION USA Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides assistance to credit challenged small businesses, will administer the program funds. Tetra Tech will manage the overall program, including outreach, monitoring and reporting services.
   The commissioners also approved agreements with the New Jersey Department of Transportation, CSX Transportation Inc., and Norfolk Southern Railroad Co. for the port authority to administer a $3 million program for the retrofit of two diesel switcher locomotives with ultra-low emitting GENSET technology for use by Conrail, which would be jointly funded with the railroads and federal grant funds.