LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Drivers of cars and trucks powered by compressed natural gas could drive across Nebraska if fueling stations open next year as planned.

The expected stations in North Platte would close a major gap on Interstate 80 and allow more vehicles to make the trip from Omaha and Lincoln to Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Denver.

One project is moving forward with a $590,000 grant from the Nebraska Environmental Trust, a state agency that uses Nebraska Lottery money for environmental projects.

Executive Director Mark Brohman says the trust awarded the grant to help promote the cleaner-burning fuel.

Larry Johnson of the Nebraska Trucking Association says working to establish alternative fuels in Nebraska will keep the state competitive.