In partnership with the Middle Georgia Regional Commission, Georgia Environmental Protection Division, and Norfolk Southern, the Middle Georgia Clean Air Coalition (MGCAC) has received a 2020 NADO Impact Award from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO). The Impact Award program honors NADO members for their creative approaches to advancing regional economic development and improved quality of life.
MGCAC was recognized for the Brosnan Yard Locomotive Conversion project, a 10-year effort to reduce emissions of NOx and PM 2.5 within the Middle Georgia community. This project was recognized by NADO for its significant accomplishments in implementing the goals of the Middle Georgia Regional Plan and Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for the region.
Activities undertaken as part of the locomotive project included the conversion of nine old diesel locomotives replacing them with cleaner models that reduced air pollution in Macon-Bibb County. These include three new clean locomotives and three mother-slug sets (replacing six total locomotives). As a result of this work, 1.8 tons of Particulate Matter (PM) emissions are reduced annually, along with 55 tons of NOx emissions, which are prime contributors to smog, acid rain, and low-altitude ozone pollution.