Pennsylvania governor approves funding for alternative fuel projects

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf approved funding through the Alternative Fuel Incentive Grants (AFIG) program to support five alternative fuel projects in Pennsylvania, including two propane autogas programs.

Two propane autogas school bus projects in Pennsylvania have received funding through the Department of Environmental Protections’ Alternative Fuel Incentive Grants program.

The Derry Township School District Propane School Bus Conversion Initiative was awarded over $14,000 in AFIG funding to help offset the cost of purchasing four propane-powered school buses. According to the school district, the buses will be fueled at its bus depot. The cost for conversion to propane is just above $7,000 per bus.

The Ride the Green Bus at Greensburg Salem School District project from DMJ Transportation was awarded over $74,000 in AFIG funding to purchase 24 72-passenger propane-powered buses. According to the company, the vehicles will be fueled at a local facility, which has agreed to install propane dispensers.

“Through the AFIG program, the Department of Environmental Protection is continuing to diversify the vehicles and fueling options in Pennsylvania, and reduce air pollution from vehicles,” says Wolf. “These grants will not only help put more alternative fuel vehicles on the road, but also expand the infrastructure needed to make alternative fuel vehicles more viable for Pennsylvania businesses and families.”

More than $1.1 million in grants was awarded across the two categories: vehicle projects and refueling infrastructure. The awards for vehicles will save about 136,000 gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel annually.