LANSING, MI – West Michigan Strategic Alliance (WMSA) recently received a $24,500 grant from Michigan’s Energy Office. The funds will underwrite costs to develop an application for Clean City status from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), according to the Web site www.rapidgrowthmedia.com. The Clean Cities Program supports local efforts to reduce petroleum consumption by promoting alternative fuels and vehicles, hybrid vehicles, fuel blends, and improved fuel economy.

WMSA is seeking Clean Cities status for a seven-county region that includes Allegan, Barry, Kent, Muskegon, Montcalm, Newaygo, and Ottawa counties. Clean Cities status means the region will be eligible for federal funds to purchase hybrid or hydrogen buses and to install alternative fuels tanks at existing fuel stations. The DOE also provides technical assistance.

But first, the region must conduct a baseline study of the region’s alternative-fuel availability and use. Those fuels include biodiesel, ethanol, electricity, domestic natural gas, liquid fuels from domestic natural gas, and hydrogen. Thus far, a region-wide steering committee for the study is in place. Plans also call for a region-wide advisory committee of businesses, governments, and individuals.

The study began June 1. The application will be submitted by May 31, 2008.