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City moves forward with natural gas station [Journal-News, Hamilton, Ohio :: ]
[July 07, 2014]

City moves forward with natural gas station [Journal-News, Hamilton, Ohio :: ]


(Hamilton Journal News (OH) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) July 07--HAMILTON -- The city of Hamilton is moving along with construction of the compressed natural gas station on Route 4, now slated to open in October 2014.

Since the station's groundbreaking in April, parking lot construction has begun, with site preparation and concrete curbs already completed. Substantial completion of the parking lot is expected by mid-July, according to city officials.



According to Hamilton Utilities Director Doug Childs, actual construction of the station has yet to begin, as testing of the CNG components is planned for the end of July at the manufacturers' site. Pending a successful testing, the components will be delivered around the first week of August for installation.

"The biggest news right now is that we are developing a whole in-depth business plan," Childs said. The plan will include the cost per gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE) at the pump for the alternative fuel, as well as a promotion plan to encourage the purchase of more CNG-powered vehicles for the city.


Marketing initiatives are also taking place, according to city project manager Mark Murray.

"This plan is being developed to help promote the station, promote the benefits of CNG as a fuel, and increase the use of CNG vehicles," he said. He cited working with local car dealerships and truck manufacturers to promote the sale of CNG-powered vehicles, working with companies that convert vehicle fuel systems to operate on CNG, and making sure the city's station site is pinned to all available CNG station websites.

Completion of the entire project is expected by mid-September, weather permitting. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is slated for October, Murray said.

Compressed natural gas is a lighter and cheaper alternative to gasoline. The gas station's construction cost approximately $1.8 million, with $700,000 coming from an Ohio Department of Transportation grant and the remaining $1.1 million coming from utilities customers.

___ (c)2014 the Journal-News (Hamilton, Ohio) Visit the Journal-News (Hamilton, Ohio) at www.journal-news.com Distributed by MCT Information Services

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