Galveston County officials are taking action to spend $1.2 million aimed at getting smog-belching vehicles off the road, through the AirCheck Texas program.
AirCheck Texas provides up to $600 for repairs or up to $3500 towards a new vehicle for those who have failed their inspection emissions test and qualify for the program.
“It really is targeted at helping people fix the emissions issues they may have with their vehicles,” Galveston County Commissioner Ryan Dennard said. “You shouldn’t let income stand in the way of getting issues corrected so you can get your registration, get back to school and work with a vehicle that’s lawful.”
GBE Automotive in Galveston is one of the qualifying repair shops in the county that accepts AirCheck Texas repair waivers. One of the owners, George Neumann, said getting the word out about the program has been difficult.
“It’s great for people on retirement, elderly people and people on fixed income,” Neumann said. “It’s an easy process and the application is one page you rarely see anything like that anymore.”
Commissioner Dennard said it’s true not many people know about the fund, which is why it’s accumulated over a million dollars. He also encourages those who think they may qualify to apply.
“It’s money the state wants to give away, it wants vehicles to get compliant, that’s the only thing it can be used for,” Dennard said. “If you think you may qualify check it out it’s good for air quality, our roads and our citizens.”
HOW TO APPLY:
Download the application here OR pick up an application from the County Judge’s Office, 2nd floor, 722 Moody (21st St.) Galveston, TX 77550.
Complete the application and fax it to 832.681.2531 or mail it to AirCheck Texas, Houston-Galveston Area Council, PO Box 22777, Houston, Texas 77227.
You may also drop completed applications to County Judge’s Office and we will fax for you.
IF APPROVED FOR REPAIRS YOU MUST TAKE YOUR AIRCHECK TEXAS WAIVER TO A PARTICIPATING REPAIR SHOP IN GALVESTON COUNTY:
CHRISTIAN BROTHERS | 1515 W FM 646 LEAGUE CITY, TX 77573 | (281) 534-4000
CHRISTIAN BROTHERS | 1553 S. FRIENDSWOOD DR. FRIENDSWOOD, TX 77546 | (281) 993-2273
FRANKIE'S QUALITY AUTOMOTIVE | 820 FIRST LAMARQUE, TX 77568 | (409) 935-5956
FRIENDSWOOD AUTO CTR | 304 W. PARKWOOD FRIENDSWOOD, TX 77546 | (281) 482-6800
FORDS AUTOMOTIVE | 206 1/2 S FRIENDSWOOD DR. FRIENDSWOOD, TX 77546 | (281) 482-9315
GBE AUTOMOTIVE | 3502 BROADWAY GALVESTON, TX 77550 | (409) 762-7551
INDIAN AUTOMOTIVE & ACCESSORIES | 15925 HWY 6 SANTE FE, TX 77517 | (409) 316-9935
LIGGIO'S TIRE & SERVICE | 2604 44TH ST. DICKINSON, TX 77539 | (281) 337-5513