Kentucky Announces Multiple Natural Gas Projects Funded by CMAQ Grants

Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) officials have announced multiple natural gas projects funded by Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grants.

Jefferson County: More than $3 million in CMAQ funds were awarded to three projects in Jefferson County. The Louisville-Jefferson County Metro Government and Kentuckiana Cleanfuel, which formed a public-private partnership, was awarded $2.32 million to construct three fast-fill CNG fueling stations. An additional $384,000 will be used by the Louisville-Jefferson County Metro Government to replace two diesel garbage packer trucks with CNG trucks. Louisville-Jefferson County Metro Government and M&M cartage were awarded $300,000 to replace five diesel trucks with CNG trucks under a public-private partnership.

The City of Lexington: LexTran, the transit authority serving the City of Lexington, was awarded more than $2.5 million in CMAQ funds. The grant will aid LexTran in the purchase of seven CNG transit buses. The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government was awarded $1.2 million in CMAQ funding to construct a CNG station in Lexington.

Federally funded CMAQ grants are for innovative transportation projects or programs aimed at reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality. Kentucky annually receives CMAQ funds for use in areas striving to meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Such areas are designated “nonattainment” or “maintenance” for the standards. CMAQ funds are available to state and local government agencies as well as private entities through public- private partnerships. Nonprofit organizations may also apply in partnership with state or local government agencies. KYTC solicits applications and makes awards annually for CMAQ funds. The cabinet’s Office of Local Programs administers all CMAQ funds and project applications.