The U.S. Department of Energy is shelling out $300 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to fund 25 cost-share projects under the Clean Cities program
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These projects involve putting more than 9,000 alternative fuel and energy-efficient vehicles on the road and building 542 refueling locations across the company.

"The Clean Cities program is helping give state and local governments the tools they need to build a greener transportation system that will create new jobs and help to put America on the path to a clean energy future," said Steven Chu, energy secretary. "Advancing the number of alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles on the road will increase our energy security, decrease our dependence on oil, and reduce pollution across the country."

The Clean Cities program will provide assistance to accelerate the development of hybrids, electric vehicles, plug-in electric hybrids, hydraulic hybrids and compressed natural gas vehicles, to cut down on petroleum consumption across the U.S. The funding will also go towards refueling infrastructure for alternative fuel vehicles, including biofuels and natural gas. The project partners will match every federal dollar spent by nearly $2.

The vehicles and infrastructure being funded include the use of natural and renewable gas, ethanol, biodiesel, electricity, and hybrid technologies. Propane-fueled vehicles, such as the Roush Liquid Propane Injection F-250 and F-350, are also included among the approved grants.

"Propane has so many positive aspects, and it is finally getting the recognition it deserves as an alternative fuel that is available right here, right now," said Jack Roush, chairman of the board at Roush Enterprises. "Propane can help to lessen our dependence on foreign oil. Propane can help to clean up our environment. And propane can help to create new 'green collar jobs' for displaced auto workers who can return to the lines to build alternative fuel vehicles."

Clean Cities is a government-industry partnership that works to reduce America's petroleum consumption in the transportation sector. Over the last 15 years, the Clean Cities program has established local coalitions across the country that promote the growth of alternative fuels and showcase the potential of advanced and energy efficient vehicles.