EPA region 7 also announced funding for clean diesel projects in several counties across Kansas and Missouri.
"These clean diesel grants provide an excellent opportunity to upgrade diesel fleets while improving local air quality," said William Rice, EPA's acting regional administrator. "They also allow local businesses needed work, thus increasing regional economic stability."
The funded projects include upgrading of construction equipment, retrofitting vehicles with diesel oxidation catalysts and replacing engines.
The National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program received $156 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to fund competitive grants across the nation. The recovery act also included $20 million for National Clean Diesel Emerging Technology Program grants and $30 million for SmartWay Clean Diesel Finance Program grants.
EPA said the cleaner burning diesel will reduce premature deaths, asthma attacks and other respiratory ailments and cut down on lost work days.
