The city of Laredo receives more than $3 million to invest in alterative power.

The federal funds will be used to purchase a garbage truck powered by natural gas, a street sweeper, and a vacuum truck.

El Metro may also receive a natural gas refueling station.

It's all part of an effort on the city's behalf to stay green and conserve energy:

"We are going to be using solar energy for lights, compacting trash, for some of the neighborhood centers."

The money will be administered by the Texas Comptroller's Energy Conservation Office.