PHILADELPHIA -- Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett joined officials from VNG Co. to announce the opening of a new compressed natural gas (CNG) public fueling station in Philadelphia to support the widespread use of natural gas vehicles in the region.
Bala Cynwyd, Pa.-based VNG, which is bringing natural gas fueling to market, opened its first facility in the city at a BP-branded gas station and Dunkin’ Donuts, said a report by CBS Philly.
"Pennsylvania has the second-largest energy field in the world, and cities from Pittsburgh to Williamsport to Towanda to Philadelphia are benefiting from our game-changing energy resources," Corbett said. "The convenience of a local CNG fueling station makes it possible for local governments, organizations, companies and residents to make the switch to this cleaner and affordable alternative fuel. By harnessing natural gas, we are reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality and putting Pennsylvania at the forefront of American energy independence."
The VNG public fueling station was constructed in part with a $253,752 Alternative & Clean Energy (ACE) grant and $169,150 ACE loan from Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA), which is administered by the Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED). VNG provided matching funds of more than $422,000.
The ACE Program provides financial assistance in the form of grants and loan funds that eligible applicants will use for the development and construction of alternative and clean- energy projects in the state, including CNG and liquefied natural gas (LNG) filling stations.
The company also received Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant (AFIG) awards totaling nearly $270,000 from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to support the purchase of 35 natural-gas vehicles by its partners at Comcast, Aqua America, H.B. Electric Services and the Safelite Group, to be fueled at the station. AFIG grants are an annual solicitation, administered by DEP, providing financial incentive for a variety of transportation projects to reduce emissions in Pennsylvania.
DEP Secretary Christopher E. Abruzzo and Philadelphia Gas Works CEO Craig White joined Corbett at the event.
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