Hartford adds 24 new natural gas powered vehicles to its fleet

Hartford, CT, October 18, 2002 - The City of Hartford has unveiled the latest additions to the city's fleet - 24 natural gas-powered Honda Civics.

"The City intends to purchase up to 140 alternative-fueled vehicles for the city over the next few years, making Hartford the largest operator of alternative fuel vehicles in the Northeast," said Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez.

The introduction of natural gas-powered vehicles is one of several steps that the city administration is taking to improve the environment and raise the quality of life in the Capitol City. Hartford Health Department Statistics have shown that Hartford children newborn to age 14 are more likely to be hospitalized for asthma compared to other Connecticut children. Also, 50% of Hispanics, 30% of Afro-Americans and 15% of Hartford's general population have been diagnosed with asthma.

"Natural gas-powered vehicles emit virtually no pollutants into the atmosphere, said Robert Hauserman, manager, key accounts for CNG. "They are environmental friendly and will help clean our air."

A $106,000 grant from the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation helped fund the purchase of the natural gas-powered vehicles. Under the terms of the grant, the City of Hartford will work in collaboration with Connecticut Natural Gas Corporation to develop alternative fuel options, including natural gas refueling stations.

Contact:
Robert Brennan
Director, Public Affairs
Connecticut Natural Gas/Southern Conn. Gas
(203) 795-7739
rbrennan@soconngas.com