Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation is to authorize the purchase of two (2) Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Flatbed Trucks for the Public Service Department, Refuse Collection Division as part of the Congestation Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant. These units will replace older ones which are beyond their useful service lives.
The CMAQ grant was awarded to the Fleet Management Division, from the Ohio Department of Transportation, sponsored by the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC). The goal of the project is to significantly reduce emissions from heavy-duty diesel vehicles. Ordinance 1178-2008 was passed on July 17, 2008 authorizing the acceptance and appropriation of this grant. Three interrelated projects are part of the grant; emission-reduction retrofit equipment purchases, anti-idling equipment purchases and CNG vehicle purchases.
CNG vehicles produce significantly lower amounts of harmful emissions such as nitrogen oxides, particulate matter and toxic and carcinogenic pollutants. Natural gas is a domestically available, inherently clean burning fuel. Using compressed natural gas as vehicle fuel increases energy security by reducing our dependence on foreign oil and improves public health and the environment. Currently, CNG is also significantly lower in cost than either gasoline or diesel. The City of Columbus has paid an average of $2.77 per gallon year to date in 2010 for diesel fuel. CNG is currently retailing in Columbus for $1.50 per gge (gasoline gallon equivalent), a $1.27 per gallon or 46% savings in fuel cost.
Formal bids for the Flatbed Trucks with the Compressed Natural Gas engine option were received from one (1) vendor by the Purchasing Office on June 10, 2010 via SA003579.
This ordinance authorizes the Finance and Management Director to issue a purchase order to Ricart Properties Inc. for two (2) CNG Flatbed Trucks for the Division of Refuse Collection.
Contract Compliance No.: Ricart Properties, Inc 31-...
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