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$8 million grant to promote biofuels, other technologies
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Gov. Ed Rendell on Tuesday announced nearly $8 million in state grants for 21 projects that would promote biofuels and technologies to foster electric cars and vehicles that run on natural gas.
More than $2.5 million of that is headed to projects in southwestern Pennsylvania.
Mr. Rendell said the projects would create 221 jobs and cut carbon dioxide emissions by 14.5 million pounds.
"These are exciting projects because they pave the way for consumers to adopt these new technologies," Mr. Rendell said at a news conference.
Recipients include O'Hara-based Giant Eagle, which will get $750,000 to buy 29 vehicles that run on electricity and compressed natural gas, and to install 10 electric vehicle charging stations.
Another local recipient is Waste Management of Pennsylvania Inc., which is in line for $700,000 to build a compressed natural gas fueling station at its hauling facility in Washington, Pa.
The company plans to use natural gas to fuel its trash and recycling trucks. The station also will be available to other fleet operators, according to the governor's office.
In Westmoreland County, Western Pennsylvania Operating Engineers Joint Apprenticeship and Training Program will get $486,000 to convert heavy equipment into construction vehicles that accept locally produced biofuels.
First Published November 16, 2010 10:28 pm
