(TNS) — Several businesses across Western Pennsylvania are receiving a total of more than $1 million for a range of environmentally friendly vehicle projects as they seek to improve their transportation options.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection awarded a total of $3.47 million to 27 companies statewide as part of its Alternative Fuel Incentive Grant program, an effort to reduce the state’s air pollution, DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley said in a release.

“We are committed to increasing sustainable and renewable energy and these grants will help local governments, businesses, school districts, and nonprofit organizations invest in alternative fuel solutions that are reliable, efficient, and often cheaper to operate,” Ms. Shirley said.

State Sen. Wayne Fontana said the grants also will help to update Western Pennsylvania’s transportation infrastructure.

“Funding electric and natural gas vehicle projects in the county benefits both our local businesses and the environment, while ensuring the public has access to modern infrastructure,” he said in a statement.

In Allegheny County, Giant Eagle received $300,000 for 15 tractor-trailers fueled by compressed natural gas, which has lower emissions and is more efficient than gasoline.

Brenntag Mid-South, Inc., a German chemical distribution company that has an office in Pittsburgh, received $297,000 to retrofit its 11 Class 8 heavy-duty trucks to run on renewable biofuel.

Duquesne Light Company received $78,750 for 13 electric pickup trucks and one passenger vehicle, and the borough of Bellevue received $15,000 for one EV truck and one EV passenger vehicle.

Flyspace Productions, an event management company in Chateau, received $15,500 for four Level 2 EV chargers for its fleet of vehicles

In Butler County, Mars-based waste management service Vogel Disposal Service Inc. received $120,000 for six vehicles fueled with renewable natural gas.

In Washington County, Canonsburg-based natural gas company CNX Resources Corporation received $300,000 for a pair of mobile compressed natural gas fueling units for its fleet.

The Alternative Fuel Incentive Grant program is accepting applications for its next round of grants until Oct. 10.