The U.S. Transportation Department is sending $112 million to projects across the country to help build energy-efficient transit vehicles and facilities, Secretary Ray LaHood said on Thursday. The money, intended to create environment-friendly transportation options as well as construction jobs, will be shared among 46 projects.

     The department received 266 funding requests for a total $1 billion, it said.

     Pennsylvania projects will receive the most funding, $18 million for purchasing hybrid buses and spreading the use of vehicles fueled by natural gas.

     California agencies will receive $14 million, primarily for changing to electric, hydrogen fuel cell, hybrid and diesel hybrid buses that emit fewer pollutants into the air and rely less on oil.

     Florida projects will receive $11 million, Illinois projects $8.2 million, Ohio $6.3 million, Texas $8.4 million, and Washington $6.8 million.