Home » Lextran receives $2.5 million in CMAQ grant

Lextran receives $2.5 million in CMAQ grant

Fund will be used to purchase seven CNG buses

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 11, 2014) – Gov. Steve Beshear and officials from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) last week announced the award of $2,501,591 in a Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant to Lextran, to improve safety and air quality.

lextran busThe funding received by Lextran will be used in the purchase of seven cleaner-burning, compressed natural gas (CNG) buses.

“We have been striving to move towards compressed natural gas for quite some time now,” said Lextran General Manager Rocky Burke. “CNG buses are cleaner burning and provide for lower fuel costs.”

CMAQ funding is apportioned to each state by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Federally funded CMAQ grants are for innovative transportation projects or programs aimed at reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality. Kentucky annually receives CMAQ funds for use in areas striving to meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards.

Each year, KYTC solicits applications and makes awards for CMAQ funds. The cabinet’s Office of Local Programs administers all CMAQ funds and project applications.

CMAQ funds are available to state and local government agencies as well as private entities through public-private partnerships. Nonprofit organizations may also apply in partnership with state or local government agencies.

In addition to Lextran, CMAQ funds were awarded to five other projects in the state. One of the projects was the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government for the construction of a compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling station.