FAA Awards Funds to Purchase Six CNG Buses in Portland

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a $331,653 grant to Portland International Airport to purchase six CNG buses through the FAA’s Voluntary Airport Low Emission (VALE) program. The buses will be used to transport airport passengers and employees from the terminal to parking and rental car facilities. VALE is designed to reduce sources of airport ground emissions in areas of marginal air quality. The FAA implemented the program in 2005 to help airport sponsors meet their air quality responsibilities under the Clean Air Act. Through VALE, airport sponsors can use Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funds and passenger facility charges to acquire low-emission vehicles, refueling and recharging stations, gate electrification, and other airport-related air quality improvements. “We applaud Portland International Airport’s efforts to become a better steward of the environment,” FAA Administrator Michael P. Huerta said. “This project will allow the airport to realize immediate emission-reduction benefits for the airport and surrounding communities.” Since 2005, the FAA has funded 67 VALE projects at 34 airports, which represents a total investment of $167 million in clean airport technology. That amount includes $133 million in federal grants and $34 million in local airport matching funds.