The California Energy Commission (CEC) mobilized more than a half a million dollars this week across a number of projects to promote alternative fuel vehicles and related refueling infrastructure.

Arcadia Unified School District, based in Los Angeles County, is receiving $300,000 to install a new compressed natural gas (CNG) refueling site, which will support the district's expansion to 15 CNG vehicles. Calexico Unified School District, in Imperial County, is being awarded approximately $83,000 to upgrade its public-access CNG station.

The CEC's investment is also funding buy-down incentives totaling $122,000 for 15 alternative-fuel vehicles. The money helps to cover the incremental cost between conventional vehicles and new vehicles that use propane autogas or natural gas.

Bob Stall Chevrolet, La Mesa, is getting $32,000 for the buy-down of four natural gas vehicles (NGVs) of 8,501 to 14,000 lbs. GVW, and Rotolo Chevrolet Inc. in Fontana will receive $72,000 for nine NGVs in the same class.

Rancho Motor Company Inc., Victorville, will receive a total of $18,000: $8,000 will go toward one NGV of 8,501 to 14,000 lbs. GVW, and $10,000 will help buy down one propane autogas vehicle of 14,001 to 26,000 lbs. GVW.

These awards are a part of the CEC's Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program, which has an annual budget of approximately $100 million.