The Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) Board of Airport Commissioners approved the development of a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) refueling station at LA/Ontario International Airport (ONT). The new station will provide CNG on site for vehicles operated by ONT, airport tenants, commercial fleets traveling on Interstate 10, consumer vehicles, and transit agency and local school district buses.

   "The station supports City of Los Angeles and LAWA 'green' initiatives," said Jess Romo, ONT's manager. "It also addresses the use of alternative fuels advocated or mandated by local, state and federal agencies."

   LAWA currently owns and operates 48 CNG-powered vehicles in its ONT fleet, which represents approximately 25 percent of the airport's total fleet. ONT's annual CNG consumption is expected to increase as it continues to transition all of its fleet to CNG. In addition to ONT fleet, third party commercial operators such as shared ride vans and taxicabs are obligated to convert their fleets to CNG as part of contractual arrangements with LAWA. Lastly, ONT will acquire 17 new CNG passenger courtesy shuttle buses within the next two years.

   "With the exception of fuel purchased by the airport, the project comes at no cost to LAWA and is projected to save ONT more than USD 1.8 million over the next 10 years in preferential pricing for LAWA and passenger courtesy shuttle bus fleet," adds Romo. "We are also anticipating a revenue stream of at least USD 95. 000 in rent and royalties during this period, not including yearly increases to land rent and royalties from third party fuel sales that are expected to grow."

   The new 6.500-square-foot station, to be located on Airport Drive and Haven Avenue, will be built, operated and maintained by Clean Energy Fuels Corp. under a 10-year contractual agreement with one five-year renewal option. The station will feature 24-hour video surveillance, card reader and training video, 3.000 and 3.600 pressures fill options, dispenser hose signs, landscaping, and lighted canopy.