Redevelopment Commission Approves $1.9M CNG Truck Grant for City Sanitation Department

On February 27, 2025, the Portage Redevelopment Commission convened to discuss a significant grant proposal aimed at enhancing the city’s sanitation fleet with compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles. The meeting highlighted the city’s commitment to transitioning to alternative fuel sources, aligning with federal initiatives to reduce reliance on diesel.

The commission reviewed a request for a federal grant under the Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) program, amounting to $1,897,928. This funding would cover 80% of the costs, approximately $1.5 million, while the city would contribute the remaining 20%, roughly $380,000. The proposal involves the purchase of four CNG garbage trucks, each priced at about $475,000. After the grant reimbursement, the city's net expenditure would be approximately $94,896 per truck.

The discussion underscored the urgency of this transition, particularly in light of impending Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations set to take effect in 2027, which will impose stricter standards on diesel emissions. The move to CNG is seen as a proactive measure to comply with these regulations and to take advantage of the financial support available through the grant.

Commissioners confirmed that the grant application had already received preliminary approval from the Board of Works, ensuring that the city is positioned to proceed with the purchase. The funds would be loaned to the city, with a repayment plan structured to allow for reimbursement from the federal grant within 30 days of the vehicle purchase.

Concerns were raised regarding the stability of federal funding in light of current political uncertainties. However, officials reassured the commission that the funds for this specific grant have already been secured, mitigating risks associated with future funding cuts.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of moving forward with the grant application and vehicle purchase, emphasizing the long-term benefits of adopting cleaner fuel alternatives for the city’s sanitation operations. The commission plans to formalize the loan agreement in the upcoming meeting, ensuring that the city can swiftly acquire the necessary vehicles to enhance its waste management capabilities.