Pennsylvania American Water Monday announced plans to expand its fleet of compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles to its northeast Pennsylvania operations.

As a result of Act 13 funding recently awarded by Gov. Tom Corbett, the company will receive a $315,000 grant for CNG-fueled vehicles. The grant was secured through a partnership with Greater Philadelphia Clean Cities Coalition which serves 34 counties in eastern Pennsylvania and works with vehicle fleets, fuel providers, community leaders and other stakeholders to implement alternative fuel use in transportation.  .

According to Pennsylvania American Water President Kathy L. Pape, the grant from the Department of Environmental Protection will be used to purchase 18 new utility trucks that use alternate CNG fuel.

The new alternative fuel vehicles will be stationed at Pennsylvania American Water’s operations in Scranton, expanding upon the company’s existing CNG-powered fleet in Norristown, Royersford, Coatesville, Bangor, Clarion and Punxsutawney.

"By growing our fleet of CNG and bi-fuel pick-up and utility trucks across the state, we are able to achieve operational savings through lower fuel costs while decreasing our environmental impact and carbon footprint," said Pape. "The Act 13 grant, thanks to our partnership with Greater Philadelphia Clean Cities, allows us to expand these benefits even further into northeast Pennsylvania."  

Pape said the company continues to explore partnerships with alternate fueling providers, municipalities and other organizations to help expand CNG’s reach.

In early 2013, Pennsylvania American Water launched a pilot with four CNG-powered Ford F-250 trucks based in Punxsutawney and Coatesville.

Last November, the company received $62,800 in Alternative Fuel Incentive Grant funding from DEP to convert 14 new light-duty trucks to use alternate CNG fuel. The Act 13 Natural Gas Vehicle grants are financed by impact fees paid by natural gas operators.

NewsClip: PA American Water Expanding Natural Gas Fleet

4/28/2014