DENTON, TX - The City of Denton Fleet Services Division has been awarded a $599,860 grant from American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds by the North Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG). The City will construct and operate a fuel island that provides alternative fuels for city equipment to help reduce the ozone levels within the North Texas nonattainment counties, according to a release from the City.

The grant was part of the North Central Texas Alternative Fuel and Advanced Technology Investments Agreement. Funds will be used towards the construction of an Alternative Fuel Station, which will be equipped to dispense E-85, B-20 biodiesel, unleaded, and diesel fuels. The station will be used by city fleet vehicles, including 37 alternative fuel vehicles and 18 hybrid vehicles currently owned and operated by the city. The station is scheduled for completion in September 2010.

The Dallas Fort Worth area has significant problems with ground level ozone, and continues to be in "non-attainment" status. Volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, small particulate matter, sulfur oxides, and a host of other air quality concerns continue to present challenges for the region. The City of Denton recognizes the impacts that these air quality issues have on human health, economic vitality and the overall environment of both our region and our planet.

"Because many air quality issues are intricately linked to energy consumption, strategies for increasing energy efficiency often have the dual benefit of reducing operational costs while simultaneously improving air quality," said Denton Mayor Mark Burroughs. "This alternative fuel station is just the latest initiative taken by the City to continue to do what we can improve our air quality and sustain our environment."