Explanation
This legislation is to authorize the purchase of a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Vactor Combination Sewer Cleaner Truck for the Public Utilities Department, Division of Sewerage and Drainage as part of the Congestation Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant. This sewer cleaner truck will replace BT18988, 1999 Combination Sewer Truck, and has been approved by Fleet Management. The funding requested on this legislation is based on a quote dated July 2, 2010 and is the State of Ohio contract pricing. The quotation is on file with the Purchasing Office and attached to this legislation. The equipment will be used by crews at the Sewer Maintenance Operations Center for cleaning manholes and sewer lines throughout the City
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), for a $1.27 per gallon or 46% savings in fuel cost.
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