Local Government Embraces and Plans for Future CNG Conversions

By Don Bertrand

After beginning my first term of office as Councilman and Chairman of the Lafayette Cons olidatedGovernment (LCG) Council and the Metropolitan Planning Organization* (MPO) in January 2008, discussions began considering fuel alternatives for the fleet vehicles owned and operated by local government entities in an attempt to make our local government fleets more cost efficient.

In the summer of 2008, LCG and the MPO initiated a study of alternative fleet fuels. In 2010, following two years of research – which included reviews of infrastructure cost, fuel cost, supply availability, future long term fuel options and short term alternatives – it was determined by the public transportation fleet managers of Lafayette Parish, the School System and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette transit systems that Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) would be the best fuel choice, both in the short and the long term. All three administrations supported the joint recommendation of the fleet managers and a major CNG Conversion plan was initiated. Staff members of the MPO, developed and programmed a five year CNG Conversion Plan for Lafayette Consolidated Government, Lafayette Parish School System and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette transit systems. Obviously a key component to the success of this program is fueling locations. The Lafayette CNG Plan includes installation of three new CNG stations.

The first station will be located on and fronting East University Avenue adjacent to the Lafayette Consolidated Government’s Public Works Administration building. In late 2011, construction bids were let with an estimated completion date of April, 2012.

A second CNG station is anticipated in the area of La. Hwy. 89 (Southpark Road) and East Pinhook Road with a third CNG station expected in an area near the Interstate 49 and Interstate 10 Interchange.

In an effort to expand on a CNG market, the Lafayette MPO is also working with public transit representatives in the eight parish area to develop a multi-parish regional transit system utilizing and coordinating CNG vehicles. Additionally, the Louisiana Transit Design Studio, based in Lafayette and working with the University Industrial Design program is advancing design and development of a CNG para-transit vehicle and is in collaboration with seven MPOs around the state. The MPOs have determined a statewide need for a heavy duty (20 year) para-transit vehicle for use by local transit operators.

An important need identified in the Lafayette CNG Conversion program is education for the public and local business on the safety, the cost efficiencies and the stable in-state supply of CNG fuel sources. A 20- minute public information video is being prepared to help bridge this information gap. Public vehicles and transportation fleets will transition to CNG fuel system as funding is identified. The LCG council recently approved submission for Federal conversion grants which have target dates of April 2012. Currently, 100 Lafayette Consolidated Government vehicles are scheduled for conversion over the next several months. The School Board and University systems begin conversions this year (2012) as more CNG service stations come on line. The Lafayette Transit System has installed a slow fill station for the five new CNG buses delivered in July of 2011 and are now in operation. The University Transit system will be transitioned to CNG with four new buses scheduled for delivery in March 2013.

*The Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is mandated by the Federal Government to receive Federal dollars which return to our community through the Federal Highway Administration and the State of Louisiana. The MPO is made up three subcommittees, the Citizens Action Committee, Transportation Policy Committee and the Transportation Technical Committee, with the final decision on any matter going to the Metropolitan Planning Organization which is currently the Lafayette Consolidated Council. The MPO designated area is determined by population.

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