Cantwell Touts $1 Million for Green Transit in Kitsap County
Grant will bring zero-emissions buses to Kitsap Transit, replace dirtier diesel models
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced the award of a $1 million dollar grant to Kitsap Transit to replace its diesel buses with cleaner, battery-electric vehicles.
Cantwell, a long-time supporter of fuel efficiency and renewable energy, supported Kitsap Transit’s grant application during the award process. The grant was made through the Department of Transportation’s Low or No Emission Vehicle Program.
The grant will beef up Kitsap Transit’s zero- and low-emission public transit fleet with two battery-electric heavy-duty buses. The buses would operate on routes making direct connections to Seattle via the ferry system, thereby reducing emissions on popular routes that would otherwise be handled by high-emission diesel vehicles.
“In Washington state, we are committed to promoting energy conservation, enhancing healthy communities, and protecting the environment,” said Cantwell. “Kitsap Transit has already made a remarkable commitment to reduce their fleet emissions, and the zero-emissions buses made possible by today’s announcement go a long way to fulfilling that commitment. I am proud to have supported the great work of Kitsap Transit in this process.”
Kitsap Transit has already deployed 27 propane gas vehicles. The agency has been operating another zero-emission bus to test the potential of the new vehicles.
The Low or No Emission Competitive program provides funding to state and local governmental authorities for the purchase or lease of zero-emission and low-emission transit buses as well as acquisition, construction, and leasing of required supporting facilities.
###
Next Article Previous Article
