PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch on Jan. 16 announced that four teams will be invited to submit proposals for a program to develop clean-burning compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling stations at public transit agencies around the state that would also be available for use by the public.
“With Pennsylvania now a leading natural gas producer, this project creates opportunities for transit providers and the public to have better access to this fuel for vehicle operations,” said PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch.
“This project will help the people of Pennsylvania realize the benefits this resource is delivering.”
The teams were scored and selected based on criteria including their financial capability to carry out the project; their background and experience in managing comparable projects; and, each team’s understanding of the project.
The teams invited to submit proposals are:
- Clean Energy
- GP Strategies, Escondido, CA (L.R. Kimball/McCrossin/Gladstein Neandross & Assoc.)
- Spire, St. Louis, MO (Institute of Gas & Technology/Raymundo Engineering Co./Parsons Brinckerhoff/Dual Fuel Services Inc.)
- Trillium CNG (Larson Design Group)
PennDOT soon will issue a draft Request for Proposals that the selected teams will review before a final RFP is issued in the spring. PennDOT expects proposals will be required to be submitted by summer, with an award to be made in late summer or early fall.
The selected private partner will design, build, finance, operate and maintain CNG filling stations at up to 37 transit facilities. Each fueling site must provide access to CNG for public transit and other CNG vehicles.
In addition, PennDOT will enter into a CNG supply contract with the selected partner as well as purchase agreements with each of the transit agencies.
PennDOT would receive a portion of the fuel sales revenue, with the money being returned to transit agencies to assist with future capital projects.
The project was approved by the state’s P3 Board on Sept. 29 and PennDOT hosted an industry forum to educate potential, private-sector stakeholders on the scope and requirements.
In July 2012, Corbett signed into law the Public and Private Partnerships for Transportation Act, which authorized P3 projects in Pennsylvania. 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.
As part of the P3 law, the seven-member Public Private Transportation Partnership Board was appointed to examine and approve potential public-private transportation projects. If the board determines a state operation or project would be more cost-effectively administered or delivered by a private company, the department or appropriate transportation agency can advertise a competitive RFP and enter into a contract with a company to completely or partially deliver the transportation-related service or project.
