Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Central Maintenance Garage

TO:	Dave Corliss City Manager
FROM:	Steve Stewart Fleet Manager
CC:	Charles Soules Director of Public Works; Tammy Bennett Assistant Director of Public Works; Mark Thiel Assistant Director of Public Works
Date:	12/26/2012
RE:	Grant Opportunities: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

Please include the following item on the City Commission Agenda for consideration at the 01/08/2013 meeting:

Background Information:

The University of Kansas Mechanical Engineering Department is applying for a research grant to evaluate dual fuel use on heavy duty vehicles. This grant centers on the use of diesel and natural gas conversion systems. Compressed Natural Gas is injected into the diesel engine along with a minimal amount of diesel fuel to allow the mixture to ignite in a compression ignition engine.

The University has asked if the City would partner with them by allowing one of these systems to be installed on one of our refuse trucks. This would allow them a test bed for the program. It would also further our own research toward the use of natural gas as a vehicle fuel.

Current Status:

Central Maintenance staff has reviewed information supplied by the manufacturers and believe it is feasible to pursue this grant opportunity.

Funding: 

No City funding would be required. The City’s participation would be staff time in collaboration with KU and the use of an existing truck which would continue to perform regular job assignments. 

Action Request:

Authorize the City Manager to sign a letter of interest in teaming with KU for this grant opportunity.