SPRINGFIELD, IL - The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has been recognized for its progress in 2009 in a statewide effort to become a more sustainable agency, one of which has been greening its fleet.

The award was based on several practices and efforts that IDOT initiated. One of the strides that IDOT made was creating a more environmentally friendly vehicle fleet. The fleet includes 741 alternative vehicles, 36 gas/electric hybrids and one E-85/electric. The diesel fleet is now 100 percent capable of burning biodiesel fuel.

Among the list of accomplishments, Illinois Department of Transportation received the Green Government Award in December from the Illinois Green Government Coordinating Council during the Annual Sustainable Symposium held in Springfield. The award was in the Sustainable Transportation category.

The award was presented by Governor Pat Quinn's director of sustainability, Kate Tomford. Accepting the award at the Sustainable Symposium were IDOT's Director of Finance and Administration Ann Schneider and Steve Massey, IDOT's acting sustainable practices manager.

For more information on Illinois' green initiatives, visit www.green.illinois.gov.