TAMPA -- The city is getting a grant of nearly a million dollars to help in buying up to 13 new electric police cars.
Tampa police drive nearly four and a half million miles a year and spend more than $3 million a year in fuel. Mayor Jane Castor says the federal money will help the city reduce its carbon footprint and fuel costs, while improving air quality. Tampa police and Tampa Fire Rescue account for a combined 7,500 metric tons of carbon emissions a year. Other city departments have changed some of their fleets to electric or hybrid models. Right now Tampa has 272 alternative fuel vehicles, more than 13 percent of the total.
Congresswoman Kathy Castor helped get the grant. Police will begin working on selecting a make and model for its conversion.
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