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2 <br />MPO), a recommended consultant will be proposed to the three elected boards at the <br />April 29 Assembly of Governments meeting to undertake this project, <br />3. Finally, in late 2000, a task force was formed to investigate the potential for purchase <br />of alternative fuel and low-emission vehicles. One of the primary strategies for both <br />ozone and greenhouse gas emissions reduction is the use of alternative fuel vehicles <br />(such as compressed natural gas, electric, or other hybrid or dedicated alternative <br />source fuels). The Alternative Fuel and Low Emission Vehicle (AFLEV) Work Group <br />report in November 2000 proposed a move toward the purchase of alternative-fuel <br />vehicles and fueling infrastructure, using a grant program from the State to offset <br />costs. However, this grant program was essentially closed out due to the State budget <br />crisis, and the proposed vehicle and fueling infrastructure purchases were not pursued <br />due to local impacts from the State budget crisis, Staff has been working with new <br />vehicle requests to consider possible alternative-fuel vehicle purchases, and with the <br />North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) on a possible joint project for a <br />compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling station at the maintenance yard and <br />correctional facility in Hillsborough because of its proximity to the interstates, Anew <br />grant program at the Federal level has been initiated to help pay for the cost <br />difference between gasoline and alternative fuel vehicles, <br />While distinct and separate projects, each of these local initiatives generated by the Board <br />will serve to address air quality within the County and a more sustainable future of energy <br />use, The Board may also wish to identify or address other local air quality measures as well, <br />FINANCIAL IMPACT: There are no costs associated with this presentation. There would be <br />purchase and fueling infrastructure costs associated with the purchase of alternative fuel <br />vehicles, however, some of these costs may be offset by grants - to a degree currently <br />unknown. Any alternative fuel vehicle purchases proposed for FY 2004-05 will be addressed <br />in the upcoming Capital Investment Plan (CIP) and budget proposals. <br />RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board receive this <br />presentation as information, and offer other suggestions and proposals to address air quality <br />as desired. <br />