Lincoln Police Department to convert vehicle to run on natural gas

The Lincoln, Nebraska, Police Department could save an estimated $2,000 a year in fuel and maintenance costs after converting a new fleet vehicle to run on clean-burning natural gas.

High-pressure-gas containment manufacturer Lincoln Composites and its partners in the project: Lincoln-based Eric's Electric, Fuel Conversion Solutions of Grain Valley, Missouri, and natural gas utility Black Hills Energy contributed the labor and materials to convert the vehicle.

Mayor Chris Beutler accepted the keys to the new NGV from Lincoln Composites president Jack Schimenti at an event to mark the occasion. The new Ford Fusion will be used for parking meter enforcement and was chosen because of its frequent stops and extended idling time.

Mayor Beutler thanked all those involved the public-private partnership. "Every mile our police parking enforcement officers drive this natural-gas powered car, the City and its taxpayers are saving money and reducing our carbon footprint. This project is helping us to speed up the greening of our fleet, and that is in the best interests of everyone. Each step we take toward greener transportation options is another chapter in the story of how our community is working together to creatively meet our future transportation needs."

Schimenti acknowledged the presence of NGV's from a number of businesses. "These natural gas vehicles are a testament to the rapidly growing interest among fleet owners to save substantial fuel and maintenance costs and reduce our country's dependence on foreign oil," he said, "In addition to fuel cost savings, costs for oil changes and other regularly scheduled maintenance will be reduced because natural gas burns cleaner than gasoline."