The Alberta Government announced the development of the Alberta Community Transit Fund on Tuesday morning.

Alberta Transportation Minister, Brian Mason, says the goal of the fund is to encourage investment in low emission transit vehicles.

"The act fund is the evolution of our government's support to municipalities to invest in green transit initiatives. $215 million in grants will be available to municipalities and transit commissions and authorities to invest in low and zero emission transit vehicles," he said.

Mason also added 115 million of the 215 million grant money came from carbon revenue generated by the Alberta Government's Climate Leadership Plan, and the goal is to increase transit ridership across the province.

Mason says the fund supports Alberta's goal of becoming a leader in green transit technology, and is partially based on public participation input.

"Our goal is to increase transit ridership across the province. The fund also supports Alberta's vision of becoming a leader in green transit technology, research and innovation. It helps to connect people across the province to essential services, education and jobs," he said.

"This speaks to the benefit of the climate leadership plan, which helps protect our environment, while providing funds that are needed to support green projects. We want to show Albertans how their money is being invested to improve public transportation across the province," said Mason.

Program guidelines, application forms, criteria and information on the scoring process, as well as information on the approved projects are available online.

Questions, comments, or story ideas? Email abouchard@goldenwestradio.com