TALLAHASSEE, FL — The Florida Energy Office was awarded nearly $390,000 in grants from the U.S. Department of Energy, according to a report in SolarAccess.com on August 12. Florida was one of eight states in the Southeast to receive the grants, receiving five of the 27 grants awarded. Nationally, the U.S. Department of Energy is providing $16,337,695 for 162 projects in 43 states and the District of Columbia. The grant funding will support:

• Gold Coast Clean Cities Coalition, $20,000

  The funding will help local municipalities, delivery fleet operators, airport shuttle systems, community transit services, school buses, and state and federal fleets increase their share of alternative-fuel vehicles in their transportation operations. The coalition intends to meet the Clean Cities performance goal of a 17-percent increase in alternative-fuel vehicles in 2004.

  
  

• Space Coast Clean Cities Coalition, $20,000

  Funding will support Florida Space Coast Clean Cities Coalition facilitate the sales of alternative-fuel vehicles and the infrastructure to support those vehicles. The National Clean Cities program and Space Coast Coalition will hold annual public education and outreach campaigns to promote alternative-fuel technology and alternative-fuel vehicle sales. The Coalition intends to meet the Clean Cities performance goal of a 17-percent increase in alternative-fuel vehicles in 2004.

  
  

• Clean Cities Refueling Infrastructure, $100,000

  This project will install refueling and recharging stations for alternative-fuel vehicles (E-85, biodiesel, and electric) at the Miami International Airport. The project supports the use of alternative fuels through the installation of a refueling infrastructure. By disseminating alternative-fuel information and experience to Miami International tenants and other similar fleets in South Florida, the project aims to increase the regional population of alternative-fuel vehicles.