Norwich Public Utilities (NPU), a municipal utility company in Norwich, Conn., has broken ground on a new $1.8 million compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling station. The project is funded in large part by a federal grant.
The CNG facility, located adjacent to a Shell gasoline station at 168 West Town St., is in close proximity to I-395, Route 2 and the Stanley Israelite Business Park. NPU says the new station will include a single dual-hose, quick-fill dispenser and offer access for vehicles on both sides and the ability to service vehicles of any size.
According to the NPU, CNG is ‘significantly more economical than other fuel options.’
In fact, the West Town St. project will be NPU's second CNG station, joining a facility located at 157 North Main St. that is utilized by NPU and a number of commercial entities.
“Alternative fuel vehicles are good for business and good for the environment, and NPU is proud to extend our commitment to support this American fuel source,” comments John Bilda, general manager at NPU.
“While we are very proud of the history of NPU, we are equally proud of our record of investment in a variety of innovative technologies,” he adds.
The new CNG project is funded through the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) Congestion, Mitigation and Air Quality program, which awarded a grant for $1,386,000 of the total project cost. NPU is funding the remaining $414,000 of the project.
NPU says the grant will also allow the utility to purchase six CNG-fueled vehicles: four service vans, a dump truck and a sewer jet truck.
The project is jointly administered by the FHWA and the Federal Transit Administration, with oversight provided by the Connecticut Department of Transportation.
The CNG station is slated to be online in November.
