New London - Cross Sound Ferry is receiving a $1 million federal grant to reduce harmful emissions from diesel engines on one of its vessels, the MV Susan Anne.

The project will upgrade the two main engines on the ferry to bring emissions to the cleanest levels possible, according to a news release from the state Department of Environmental Protection. The DEP announced the grants, from the federal Environmental Protection Agency, which provided $250,000, and federal stimulus funds, which provided $750,000, on Tuesday. Cross Sound Ferry is contributing $250,000 in matching funds.

The MV Susan Anne moves an average of 166 vehicles and 411 passengers daily between New London and Orient Point, Long Island, decreasing air pollution from emissions from cars that would have driven between New York and Connecticut, the DEP said in a news release. According to information on Cross Sound Ferry's website, the vessel was built in 1968 and underwent a total overhaul in 1998 when the company purchased it from its previous owner. It is the third largest vessel in Cross Sound's fleet.

"Reducing the emissions of diesel particulates from the MV Susan Anne's engines builds on the air quality benefits already resulting from passengers taking advantage of ferry service to Long Island instead of driving their cars," DEP Commissioner Amey Marrella said. "Diesel exhaust contributes to air pollution and respiratory illness especially for the elderly and for children. An added benefit to the upgrade is improved fuel efficiency and energy savings - a win-win situation on all levels."

The engine upgrades are expected to reduce diesel particulate emissions from the MV Susan Anne by up to 3.1 tons annually, the DEP said. In addition, the upgraded engines will have electronic injection systems that will improve fuel efficiency.

Cross Sound Ferry owner and president John P. Wronowski said, "This continues Cross Sound's commitment to helping reduce emissions and improve air quality in Connecticut."

"Not only does the ferry service remove over a half million vehicles and their emissions from Connecticut's highways each year, but this marks the third vessel in our fleet to receive engine replacements or upgrades to cleaner emissions standards."

This is the second federal grant awarded this year to the companies owned by the Wronowski family. Cross Sound's sister company, Thames Shipyard & Repair Co., was awarded a $1.4 million grant last spring.

The upgrade will begin this spring. The vessel is expected to be back in service by July. The ferry engine upgrade project was selected for funding through a competitive grant process, the DEP said, and is consistent with the Connecticut Clean Diesel Plan of 2006. The plan seeks to reduce diesel emissions from sources including school and transit buses, construction equipment and trucks. The project will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The DEP encouraged municipalities, state and tribal agencies, non-profit organizations and other organizations with diesel equipment to apply for funds available through the National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program. Proposals are due to EPA by Jan. 13. Information is available at: www.epa.gov/otaq/diesel/prgnational.htm.