State Grants Millions for Alternative Fuel Projects

Pennsylvania is granting $7.9 million for 21 projects promoting bio-fuels, natural gas and electric powered vehicles across the state. Those funds are being matched with another $22.1 million in private investment. In southwestern Pennsylvania, the Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Program is giving two grants. Giant Eagle will receive $750,000 to buy 29 compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric/plug in vehicles and will install ten public electric vehicle charging stations, the first of their kind in Pennsylvania. Waste Management of Pennsylvania, Inc. will get $700,000 to build a CNG fueling station at its hauling facility in Washington , PA -- which will also be available to other fleet operators. The company plans to use natural gas in its fleet of trash and recycling trucks. Mike Smith, spokesman for the State Department of Environmental Protection called the grant program a step toward energy independence, a source of job creation and innovation and a better choice for the environment.