COLUMBUS, Ohio — Two-hundred and forty Ohio schools received a total of $72,000 in grant funding to help defray school bus transportation costs for field trips to the Ohio Statehouse Museum.

The funds were made available Sept. 1 and had all been allocated two days later.

The Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board and Capitol Square Foundation, through gifts from Honda of America Mfg. Inc. and the Wal-Mart Foundation, awarded funds in three mileage categories on a first-come, first-served basis. Schools traveling 1 to 50 miles received $200, those traveling 51 to 100 miles received $300, and those traveling more than 100 miles received $400.

The grants were made available to Ohio schools that receive state funding. Only one transportation grant was awarded to a school regardless of the number of buses or students visiting the Ohio Statehouse.

William E. Carleton, executive director of the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board, said "With all of these funds being allocated so quickly, it is evident that teachers need the resources to help bring their students to the Ohio Statehouse to learn about government and democracy. The entire Statehouse staff is thrilled that this support was made available for students so that they can have this important experience."