Department of Transportation Commissioner John Schroer announced the award of over $27 million in Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) grants in 11 communities across the state. The 31 grants will fund a wide range of transportation projects designed to reduce emissions and include $800,000 to acquire natural gas trucks and buses. “These projects are helping our transportation network operate more efficiently, while also providing better options for our citizens,” said the commissioner.
One of the recipients is Memphis Light, Gas, and Water Division (MLGW), which will get $500,000 to help deploy 20 dedicated CNG trucks with 10 year service life. Dillon Transport is the project partner and will provide more than $3 million for this initiative. The heavy duty trucks are expected to refuel at a public access station in the city and at MLGW station.
Moreover, Sevier County Utility District (SCUD) in partnership with Blalock and Sons will receive $103,200 for the replacement of five diesel and one gasoline vehicles with comparable NGVs, all SCUD-owned, and the conversion of one diesel dump truck to dual fuel system (running 85% of time on CNG), belonging to Blalock and Sons. The aim is to offset 80% of incremental cost to buy new NGVs and 80% of CNG conversion cost.
Finally, $188,000 will be awarded to the City of Gatlinburg, which wants to replace one 2003 diesel-powered trolley with a new CNG-powered one. This vehicle will transport visitors in the Gatlinburg area. The city will also provide $47,000 to help deploy this cleaner bus.
Source: Tennessee Department of Transportation
