The City of Fort Wayne has received a $50,000 Alternative Fuel Vehicle Program Grant from the State of Indiana to help with the cost of purchasing biodiesel fuel.

More than 300 City vehicles that previously ran on diesel fuel now run on biodiesel fuel. Biodiesel fuel reduces nearly all forms of air pollution, petroleum consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and oil dependence.

Biodiesel is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency as a legal fuel and has completed rigorous health effects testing. The City also receives federal tax credits by using biodiesel.

The conversion to biodiesel fuel is part of Fort Wayne Mayor Graham Richard’s “Green City” initiative. In February, Mayor Richard announced a series of programs aimed at improving government services and making the City more environmentally friendly.