Explanation
This legislation is to authorize the purchase of a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Street Sweeper for the Department of Public Service, Division of Planning and Operations as part of the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant. This sweeper will replace an older unit that is beyond its useful service life. The Public Service Department is responsible for sweeping streets in the City's roadway system.
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.
This legislation authorizes the purchase of one Elgin CNG Street Sweeper from Jack Doheny Supplies Ohio Inc. The purchase of this equipment will be in accordance with the current State of Ohio State Term Schedule Contract (STS), Contract Number STS 7723500206 which expires on March 31, 2011. The City of Columbus does not...
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