DOT announces $104.1-million clean-fuel transit initiative

U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has announced that transit authorities can duke it out for a share of $101.4 million in federal funds by proposing innovative projects that promote the use of "clean fuels" for public transit. Says Secretary LaHood:

This money supports President Obama's plan to improve the environment and secure America's energy future. These investments will improve public transportation access for millions of Americans – all while reducing our dependence on oil, curbing air pollution, and easing pain at the gas pump.

Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff says that with soaring gas prices hitting Americans hard, public transit is becoming increasingly important. Hence the need to modernize much of the nation's outdated transit system.

Funds will be provided through the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) Sustainability Initiative, which includes $51.5 million from the FTA's Clean Fuels Grant Program and $49.9 million from the Administration's Transit Investment in Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction III Program. Grant recipients will be chosen through a competitive selection process based on their ability to maintain or reduce an area's National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone and carbon monoxide.



Source: Autoblog Green