MADISON – Governor Jim
Doyle announced today the U.S. Department of Energy is awarding Wisconsin $15
million to assist local governments and private fleets in converting to
alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles. The funding will create jobs,
help communities and businesses improve their energy efficiency and save money.
"Wisconsin is working
hard to put recovery act funds to work to create jobs and make lasting
investments in our communities," Governor Doyle said. "This major funding will
build on Wisconsin’s clean energy leadership and help law enforcement agencies,
cities, counties and private businesses across the state switch to clean energy
vehicles and save money."
The $15 million award is
from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Cities program to reduce petroleum
use in transportation, which is funded through the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act. The clean energy transportation program aims to achieve
significant reductions in fuel and emissions in Wisconsin by supporting the
increased use of alternative-fuel vehicles and advanced-technology vehicles, and
the installation of infrastructure necessary to directly support these new
vehicles.
The program also aims to
maximize job retention and creation by investing in the technology and training
necessary to continue to develop a strong alternative fuels industry here in
Wisconsin.
The funds will be used
to replace more than 500 municipal vehicles through at least 119 fleets across
the state. The program also provides funds for increased refueling
infrastructure for technologies such as Compressed Natural Gas, Gasoline/Diesel
Hybrid Electric, Plug-In Hybrid Electric, Neighborhood Electric and biofuels.
The Governor thanked the Office of Energy Independence and the Wisconsin Clean
Cities program for working together to move forward the project.
To view a list and map of all
Department of Energy Clean Cities grants visit: http://www.energy.gov/recovery/cleancities.htm
