Federal grants totaling $2.4 billion will be handed out for the development of fuel-saving, battery-powered vehicles.
CNN reports President Barack Obama made the announcement at an RV plant in Elkhart County, Indiana:
“For too long, we’ve failed to invest in this kind of innovative work, even as countries like China and Japan were racing ahead,” he said.
“With these investments, we’re planting the seeds of progress for our country and good-paying, private-sector jobs for the American people.”
Obama made the announcement during a visit to a recreational vehicle manufacturing plant in Elkhart County, Indiana, which has been hard hit by the economic downturn.
The president said the plant, which makes recreational and hybrid vehicles, will receive a $39 million grant to build 400 advanced-battery electric trucks.
Elkhart has been a popular destination for the president. He’s been there four times in the last 15 months, with his last appearance in February to garner support for the economic stimulus package.