INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (AP) _ Seven Indiana school districts, including one in DeKalb County, have won state funding to buy propane-powered schools buses that will lower their students' exposure to harmful pollutants by burning a cleaner fuel.

The $275,000 spread out over the seven districts will allow them to purchase a total of 49 propane-fueled buses.

Each district will buy at least two propane-fueled buses and one will get 11 buses with its funding from the state's Office of Energy Development.

Agency Director Tristan Vance says “propane is a promising alternative fuel for school buses” because it's widely available and typically costs less than diesel or gasoline.

The districts' students will be exposed to less pollution emissions and the districts will save money because propane-fueled buses require less maintenance than gas- or diesel-powered buses.

The winning districts are: Avon Community School Corporation, DeKalb County Central United School District, Metropolitan School District of Warren Township, Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township, North Spencer County School Corporation, Tippecanoe School Corporation, and Warrick County School Corporation.