BELLINGHAM, Wash. – The Whatcom Transportation Authority is getting almost $10 million in federal funding to buy new diesel-electric hybrid buses.

It is part of $1.7 billion from the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law earmarked for electric or low emission buses and other transit projects around the country.

The U.S. Deparment of Transportation says WTA’s new buses will burn 24% less diesel fuel and emit about half the greenhouse gas emissions of the buses they’ll replace.

All the buses purchased under the program will be built in the U.S. using American-made parts.

Skagit County is receiving $5 million to upgrade its maintenance and administrative facilities, and Island County is getting $7.5 million to build a new transit center.