FTA 15-03
Friday, May 2, 2003
Contact: Kristi Clemens
Tel.:
(202) 366-4043
Transportation Secretary Mineta Announces $2.4 Million
in Grants to NYC Department of Transportation
Demonstrating the Bush Administration’s commitment to environmental stewardship, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta today announced that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is providing $2.4 million to the New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) for the purchase of nine compressed natural gas (CNG) buses.
“The Bush Administration is committed to transportation
as a strategic investment that protects the environment, strengthens the economy
and maximizes the freedom of mobility for all Americans,” said Secretary
Mineta.
FTA Administrator Jennifer Dorn added, “The FTA is
pleased to partner with NYCDOT to provide environmentally sound transportation
solutions to residents throughout the New York metropolitan area.
These new buses will allow even more people to experience the many
benefits of public transportation, including a healthier economy, increased
community mobility and reduced congestion.”
The funds awarded today, in
the amount of $2,475,072, will be used to replace buses that have reached the
end of their useful life. CNG
buses use clean-burning compressed natural gas, which contains far less
pollutants than normal diesel fuel. By
using natural gas buses, NYCDOT is reducing the nation’s dependence on
petroleum fuel and helping to ensure that area residents have cleaner air to
breathe.
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