On Dec. 1 it was announced that the Department of Environmental Protection in Pennsylvania would be offering grants to businesses interested in purchasing or converting vehicles to use compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquified natural gas (LNG). 

Through Act 13's impact fee, a new three year Natural Gas Energy Development plan was made available through the DEP. 

Over the next three years, this new program will make $20 million in grant funds available for businesses to purchase or convert vehicles. 

According to the DEP, the money will be allocated on a fiscal year basis. 

During the 2012-2013 period, $10 million will be awarded. Officials said $5 million will be available for local transportation agencies. 

Officials said during 2013-2014, $7.5 million will be awarded. Fifty percent will be for local transportation agencies. 

DEP said that $2.5 million will be awarded during the 2014-2015 fiscal year. 

In Jefferson County, several businesses are showing interest in applying for the grant. 

Krise Bus Service, which provides buses for the Punxsutawney School District recently converted a student passenger vehicle. 

The company began using the van last week. 

Timothy Krise, president of the company, said that each year the service spends $320,000 for fueling buses for the Punxsutawney School District. 

Krise is hoping that by converting more vehicles it will defray the cost, and in turn will also be cleaner for the environment. 

Krise said that through the grant, they are hoping to convert five school buses. 

For O-Ring CNG Fuel Systems, they will not be able to receive funding through the grant. 

The company currently operates three CNG fueling stations in the area. 

A fourth station is scheduled to open in Brookville in March. 

Even though they cannot receive funding, the company is helping other businesses with writing grants. 

Bob Beatty, owner of CNG Fuel Systems said that if more company's convert its fleet to using CNG, their fueling stations will get more business. 

O-Ring CNG Fuel Systems is encouraging company's to contact them if they're interested in applying for the grant. 

You can contact Heather Beatty by emailing her at heather@oringcng.com. 

For more information on the grant, visit this website