HARRISBURG, PA - Pennsylvania Gov. Edward G. Rendell announced $7.9 million in grants to help fund 21 alternative-fuel projects. The investment is through the state's Alternative Fuel Incentive Grant Program. 

The 21 alternative-fuel projects are expected to create 221 jobs and cut carbon dioxide emissions by 14.5 million pounds. The grants will be matched by another $22.1 million in private funds for a total economic impact of $30 million.

Philadelphia City Treasurer, Office of Fleet Management will receive $205,416 to offset the cost of purchasing more than 1 million gallons of B-5 biodiesel for use in the City's fleet.

The City of Philadelphia's Mayor's Office of Sustainability will receive $140,000 for its $500,000 project that will add 10 charging stations and 18 electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids to existing, successful local car sharing operations, exposing more people to the benefits of these technologies. The project is expected to create 12 jobs and cut CO₂ emissions by 61,000 lbs. per year.

Other public agencies and universities receiving grants are:

• Bryn Mawr College will receive $88,682 to increase its existing CNG storage capacity and purchase one CNG transport bus and two Ford Transit Connect CNG vans.

• West Chester University of Pennsylvania will receive $6,000 to cover the incremental cost of purchasing B-20 biodiesel to power vehicles on campus.

• Cumberland County Commissioners will receive $15,360 to purchase 96,000 gallons of blended biodiesel.