The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is inviting the private sector to submit their qualifications to compete for the opportunity to develop a network of compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling stations.
The selected private partner will design, build, finance, operate and maintain CNG filling stations at up to 37 transit facilities around the state. Each fueling site must provide access to CNG for public transit and other CNG vehicles.
In addition, PennDOT will enter into a CNG supply contract with the selected partner, as well as purchase agreements with each of the transit agencies. PennDOT would receive a portion of the fuel sales revenue, with the money being returned to transit agencies to assist with future capital projects.
The project, which is being spearheaded through Pennsylvania's Public-Private Partnership Initiative (P3), was approved by the state's P3 Board on Sept. 29. PennDOT said at the time that it anticipates making its final selection in summer 2015.
In July 2012, Gov. Corbett signed into law the Public and Private Partnerships for Transportation Act, which authorized P3 projects in Pennsylvania. This law allows PennDOT and other state agencies, transportation authorities and commissions to partner with private companies to participate in delivering, maintaining and financing transportation-related projects.
Interested proposers for the CNG initiative must submit in hard copy their statements of qualifications to the PennDOT Public-Private Transportation Partnership Office, P.O. Box 3545, Harrisburg, PA 17105, by 11 a.m. on Dec. 23.
Submission requirements can be found on P3's ‘Updates, Current Advertisements’ page here.
