"This grant is a great investment in environmental protection and will provide long-term economic benefits for Florida," said Stan Meiburg, EPA Acting Administrator in Atlanta.  "This funding will go a long way in helping to bolster the economy and protect public health and the environment by creating green jobs that improve air quality."

According to the EPA, the new buses will reduce air pollutants by more than 8.8 tons per year.  The buses are expected to enter service by early 2011 and have an anticipated 15-year lifespan.

"We're thrilled that the federal government is going to help us begin converting our bus fleet to hybrid buses," Miami-Dade Transit Director Harpal Kapoor said. "These new buses will cut our greenhouse gas emissions and improve the environment while providing a smoother ride for our passengers."

To speed distribution of funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the EPA is funding proposals from last year's National Clean Diesel Campaign grant competition.