Pennsylvania Begins Process of Identifying CNG Fueling Station Provider

Pennsylvania authorities recently announced that the state has begun the process of selecting a fuel provider or providers to build CNG fueling stations at up to 37 transit facilities. The plan is possibly one of the most ground-breaking to be undertaken and could set a precedent for other states. The idea to create a public-private partnership whereby public funding pays for new natural gas buses, and private businesses provide the capital to build, own and operate fueling infrastructure. Under the plan, natural gas fueling stations also would be open to the public thus increasing the availability of outlets in the state. “Natural gas is a valuable resource that provides affordable, cleaner options for vehicles in Pennsylvania,” said PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch. “This project will ensure we can capitalize on this resource and also benefit the authorities that provide vital transportation services.” PennDOT has said that it also plans to enter in supply contracts with the selected partners and that it anticipates that it will receive a portion of the proceeds from fuels sales to the public. Revenues received by PennDOT would be used to support future projects. The program was initially authorized under the Public and Private Partnerships for Transportation Act. This law allows PennDOT and other state agencies, transportation authorities and commissions to partner with private companies to participate in delivering, maintaining and financing transportation-related projects. Interested fueling station providers must submit in hard copy their statements of qualifications to design, build, finance, operate and maintain CNG filling stations to the PennDOT Public-Private Transportation Partnership Office, P.O. Box 3545, Harrisburg, PA 17105, by 11 a.m. on Dec. 23, 2014. Parties can view submission requirements on the “Updates, Current Advertisements” page at www.P3forPA.pa.gov (see “CNG Fueling Stations”).