Updated: Monday, 13 Jun 2011, 6:06 PM EDT
Published : Monday, 13 Jun 2011, 6:06 PM EDT

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WISH) - Hundreds of INDOT trucks are being converted to run on propane, and a network of refueling sites will keep them running, the state announced Monday.

“As INDOT’s 115 facilities come online, Indiana will have the nation’s largest statewide propane fueling network, with nearly all of its operations being within 30 miles of a fueling site,” Lt. Governor Skillman said Monday as she announced the plans with Indiana Department of Transportation officials. “This investment in fueling infrastructure paves the way for additional purchases of propane vehicles.”

Indiana Department of Transportation officials and Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman said the move is projected to save state taxpayers more than $1 million in fuel costs each year.

A byproduct of natural gas processing and crude oil refining, about 90 percent of propane comes from domestic sources. Propane is the third largest motor fuel behind gasoline and diesel, but generates 75 to 90 percent less carbon monoxide, ozone and hydrocarbon emissions. Power, acceleration and fuel economy are comparable to gas or diesel engines, but with current fuel prices, propane costs about half as much per gallon.

Nearly 600 INDOT work trucks and cargo vans are being converted to run on propane. INDOT is also purchasing an additional 19 yellow plow trucks to run on compressed natural gas (CNG). Once fully operational, CNG and propane are expected to replace more than 500,000 gallons of unleaded gas or diesel each year.

“As fuel costs skyrocket, state government is protecting taxpayers by seeking out cleaner-burning, domestic energy sources and technologies,” said INDOT Chief of Staff Robert Zier.

A $6.3 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant through OED and Greater Indiana Clean Cities, which is part of the U.S. Department of Energy Clean Cities Program, provided the start-up investment for INDOT infrastructure and vehicles, the state said.

Buck