Feds make $101.4 million available for clean-fuel technologies in transit

Transit providers will be able to compete for a share of $101.4 million in federal funding by proposing innovative projects that create green jobs, promote the use of clean fuels and cut the nation's dependence on oil. "This money supports President Obama's plan to improve the environment and secure America's energy future," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "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." The money is being provided competitively through the Federal Transit Administration's Fiscal Year 2011 Sustainability Initiative, which includes funding from two programs: $51.5 million from FTA's Clean Fuels Grant program and $49.9 million from its Transit Investment in Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction III program. Clean Fuels grant recipients will be chosen based on their ability to help communities achieve or maintain the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone and carbon monoxide, while supporting emerging clean fuel and advanced propulsion technologies for transit buses. TIGGER III grants will be awarded based on a project's ability to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions and provide a return on the investment.