Governor Corbett: New Alternative, Clean Energy Investments to Improve Environment; Encourage Domestic Energy Usage

HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 28, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Corbett announced today that Pennsylvania is expanding its commitment to advance clean and alternative energy sources with the investment of more than $4.5 million in grants through the Commonwealth Financing Authority.

"Energy equals jobs, and today's investments continue my commitment to grow Pennsylvania's diverse energy industries," said Corbett. "The expansion of alternative energy is resulting in cost savings for businesses and residents, new job opportunities, and a cleaner environment."

The Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) approved seven projects today through the state's Alternative and Clean Energy (ACE) Program in Chester, Columbia, Cumberland, Lebanon, Montgomery, Northampton and Philadelphia counties. The CFA investments are projected to result in more than $16.7 million in additional economic investments.

The approved projects include funding for six compressed natural gas fueling stations. The proliferation of fueling stations is expected to result in reduced emissions, fuel savings and the utilization of domestically produced natural gas.

"We have an available, abundant, domestic, economical and clean-burning supply of natural gas throughout Pennsylvania," said Corbett. "Increasing the number of natural gas fueling stations in the state will grow the industry, boost employment and result in a better environment."

The ACE Program provides financial assistance in the form of grants and loan funds that will be used by eligible applicants for the utilization, development and construction of alternative and clean energy projects in the state.

For more information about the CFA and a complete list of approved projects, visit www.newPA.com or call 1-866-466-3972.

Media contacts:
Valerie Caras, Governor's Office; 717-783-1116
Lyndsay Kensinger, DCED; 717-783-1132

Editor's Note: CFA project approvals funded through the ACE Program:

Alternative Energy Production Project:

Philadelphia County
ENER-G Rudox, Inc. will receive a $500,000 grant for the installation of a 265 kW combined heat and power (CHP) system at the Cathedral Village retirement community located in the City of Philadelphia. The $3,217,728 project will also replace inefficient lighting and HVAC systems that have exceeded their life span.

The 265 kW CHP system, lighting upgrades and HVAC upgrade will all help to reduce energy consumption and maintenance costs. The CHP system is fueled by natural gas and will offset 1,158,538 kWhs of electricity and 6,140 MMBTUs of heating and cooling. The lighting and HVAC upgrades will reduce electrical use by 830 MWhs.

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Projects:

Columbia, Cumberland and Lebanon Counties
Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores will receive an $885,910 grant for the construction of a public CNG fueling station located in Mifflin Township, Columbia County, a $924,809 grant for the construction of a public CNG fueling station located in Jonestown Borough, Lebanon County and a $924,809 grant for the construction of a public CNG fueling station located in Middlesex Township, Cumberland County. 

Love's will install two dual high flow dispensers for heavy duty, Class-8 tractor trailers and one dual hose dispenser for light-duty and private vehicle use at each site. Totaling $13,462,799, the projects include costs of running natural gas to the sites to ensure adequate supply and pressure to meet the demand of the commercial vehicles.

Chester and Montgomery Counties
Silvi Concrete will receive a $244,222 grant for the construction of a public CNG fueling station at its concrete plant in Downingtown. Transitioning to a CNG fleet will lower operating costs for Silvi Concrete and allow them to widen their customer base radius to deliver concrete products. The Downingtown concrete plant CNG renovation will work in conjunction with CNG transitions at another southeast Pennsylvania plant in Limerick.

Constructural Dynamics, Inc., a subsidiary of The Silvi Group will receive a $244,222 grant for the construction of a CNG fueling station located at its concrete plant in Limerick Township. This will provide Silvi with numerous support sites for its CNG fleet and the flexibility to be fueled at any plant prior to being loaded for concrete delivery.

Northampton County
Waste Management of Pennsylvania, Inc. will receive an $806,248 grant for the construction of a public CNG filling station with one public fast fill pump at the Grand Central Sanitation facility in Pen Argyl. The station will also contain 52 private time-fill pumps to support its 55 vehicle fleet of waste collection vehicles. The company anticipates reducing diesel consumption by 241,150 gallons in year one and 602,530 gallons annually by sixth year. 

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor