Springfield, Crowder College receive federal energy funds

A partnership between the city of Springfield, Greene County and the Missouri Department of Transportation is in line for $700,000 of federal energy funding, while Crowder College in Neosho will receive $1.5 million.

Springfield, Greene County and MoDOT will get the $700,000 as the first installment of funding for a planned compressed natural gas fueling station in Springfield. Plans call for a base at the Springfield Public Works Operation Center on West Chestnut Expressway and retrofitting for government vehicles to run on compressed natural gas.

The funding is part of the U.S. House of Representatives' Energy & Water Appropriations Conference Report for 2010.

"It's gratifying to see that the cooperative spirit between the city, county, and MoDOT has been rewarded by a first installment toward this exciting project that will help us increase our efficiency, protect the environment, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil," Springfield City Manager Greg Burris said in a news release.

CNG creates up to 90 percent less smog producing pollutants and up to 40 percent less greenhouse gas emissions than gas or diesel fuels, according to the release.

Meanwhile, Crowder is set to receive $1.5 million for the Missouri Alternative and Renewable Energy Technology Center. The funding will allow the college to complete Phase I, including solar, wind and geothermal components.

"Our goal at the MARET Center is to be the regional center for alternative and renewable energy applied research and to provide new job opportunities with certification and degrees in green construction, solar thermal energy, solar electricity, wind, and biofuels," Crowder College President Alan Marble said in the release.

The Crowder project should go to bid in November.

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