Assembly Bill 2766 provides that a component of the Vehicle Registration fee be allocated by the AQMD to cities and counties to implement and monitor programs to reduce air pollution from vehicles. The Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC), through a grant application process, administers 30% of AB 2766 funds. The remaining 70% of AB 2766 funds are distributed to cities on a population-based formula. These funds are to be used for clean air programs. The Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC) announced clean air project funding opportunities exclusively to cities and counties within the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD). The funds available are designed to encourage the construction of clean air fueling facilities, and the purchase of alternative fuel vehicles. Staff determined that funds in the amount of $60,000 were available to the City for this purpose. Staff proposed to City Council to use these funds towards the expansion of the existing CNG refueling station. The MSRC accepted the Citys grant application for $60,000, to be used to offset the cost of expanding the existing CNG refueling station. A backup compressor will provide increased capacity as the City of Claremont adds more CNG refuse trucks to our fleet.
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In November of 2002, the City Council approved the MSRC application for the grant funds to construct a natural gas fueling station at the city yard and to offset costs for the purchase of three natural gas refuse collection trucks. At the time of construction, to reduce costs, a backup compressor was eliminated from the original design plans for the CNG station. The City has experienced at least 1 engine blow-out as a result of over use of the existing compressor. The City of Claremont has purchased a backup compressor. The CNG refueling station was expanded to include two dual compressor units capable of producing almost 800 dge overnight and up to 3600 psi at 10 time fill dispensers. On September 26, 2006 staff presented a report regarding the expansion of the CNG refueling station at the City Council Community Services Committee meeting. This report announced that the City would be applying for a grant in the amount of $60,000 from MSRC to purchase a backup compressor to expand the Citys existing CNG refueling station. On October 6, 2006 an application to MSRC was submitted to participate in the MSRC Local Government Match Program. The application included a request for expansion of an existing refueling facility totaling $60,000 for meeting fleet rule 1192 to which the City is currently planning to meet. On December 6, 2006 the City received notice from MSRC of the acceptance and approval of the Citys application for funding. The Council members approved the plan to move forward with the purchase of a backup compressor and were very supportive of staffs efforts to expand the Citys existing CNG refueling station. On August 28, 2007 the City received the signed contract with MSRC. On September 17, 2007 the City purchased the backup compressor from Allsup Corporation of Upland. An update was submitted to the City Council via the City Manager letting them know that the expansion of the existing CNG refueling station represents the Citys commitment to clean air vehicles. In addition, the City applied additional MSRC logo stickers on the CNG refueling station and took photos. The expanded CNG refueling station is now in operation, which concludes the requirements of the grant. Work on this grant is now completed.
To expand the CNG refueling station for the City of Claremont by purchasing a backup compressor under the partial sponsorship of the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC). Work was completed as of September 20, 2007.
The backup compressor will help to mitigate any future blowouts and allow the City to continue to increase its CNG fleet in accordance with fleet rule 1192.The expansion of the Citys CNG refueling station is one more example of the Citys commitment to a clean environment. With the ability to refuel on site the City will be able to take advantage of the lower cost fuel and longer engine life associated with natural gas vehicles. The reduction in emissions is one more step in providing a cleaner environment for the Claremont community.