RICHMOND, VA – Virginia’s Governor Bob McDonnell has created a new fund, formally called the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Conversion Fund, to implement a plan to convert the State’s fleet to alternative fuel vehicles. McDonnell requested the plan in Executive Order 36, issued in 2011.

According to a news release from the State, the fund would receive a small portion of federal funds designed for efforts to reduce congestion and improve air quality. The State would use those funds to pay the difference between the cost of traditional fuel vehicles and alternative-fuel vehicles, or for vehicle conversions.

The State’s release reported that it is developing a plan to convert its fleet vehicles via its Public-Private Education Facilities and Infrastructure Act (PPEA) process. The McDonnell administration has narrowed the field of applicants for conversion to two vendors, and stated it will work with them and potentially other local governments to negotiate a contract.