TPA: Last Updated: Thursday, March 3, 2011 TAMPA --
The Tampa International Airport is expanding its green initiative by developing a compressed natural gas fuel facility at the airport.

The airport announced Thursday the approval of the lease and concession agreement with Clean Energy that will allow them to develop, design, construct, operate and maintain a "turnkey" compressed natural gas fuel facility at the airport for 20 years.

The CNG vehicles, which are environmentally-friendly and reduce CO2 output, are expected to save the Aviation Authority over $1 million in the first five years.

The vehicles will also help save significant money on fuel.

According to airport officials, more revenue is expected when the station is open to the public.

That station represents one of many partnerships the TPA airport is developing to advance the green initiative. A few years ago, the airport implemented a recycling program and reclaimed water initiative.

TPA will be the first airport in Florida to implement CNG.


Buck