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SPRINGFIELD, ILL. (AP) -- A federal grant program is looking to help make Illinois' small towns a little greener.

Illinois communities with fewer than 35,000 residents can compete for $13 million in federal funds through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program.

Applications must be submitted to the Illinois Association of Regional Planning Councils by June 11.

Possible projects for communities include the purchase of hybrid, electric or alternative-fueled vehicles or the creation of a strategic energy plan.

Warren Ribley is director of the state's Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

He says the grants will help small communities invest in energy efficiency that's "clean, reliable and affordable" while creating green sector jobs.

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