NEW ULM — Brown County commissioners unanimously approved a letter of support for application for a Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) Low or No Emission bus grant Tuesday.

Heartland Express Manager Patrick LaCourse said the propane bus grant application follows an application for two Hermann Express electric buses that was later withdrawn after further study showed they would not work for what was needed for Hermann Express routes in the City of New Ulm.

LaCourse said federal grants through the State of Minnesota would pay for 100% of propane bus costs plus any infrastructure costs. He said Central Region Cooperative would provide propane fuel for the buses.

“Propane is a good alternative fuel for us. It is a cleaner burning, lower-cost fuel that provides slightly less mileage than gasoline or diesel fuel and should provide a 10-20% cost savings for us. We should know by the end of the year if we get a grant,” LaCourse said.

Approval came on a motion by Commissioner Brian Braun, seconded by Scott Windschitl.

Commissioners unanimously approved a 2026 Transit budget for Heartland and Hermann Express.

LaCourse said MnDOT permitted a 5% budget increase for the $1,292,500 budget for 2026.

“Like last year’s budget, we had a slight vehicle maintenance increase. Also, our fuel budget is forecast to be higher,” he said.

The budget resolution includes the purchase of a 2026 transit vehicle to replace a 2019 bus.

Approval came on a motion by Commissioner Tony Berg, seconded by Jeff Veerkamp.