It would take $6-8 million in federal grants and 18 months in infrastructure changes before all 225 buses can begin to be replaced.KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -
The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority is working on securing federal money for an eco-friendly change that would put millions of local dollars back into taxpayers' pockets.
The 19-acre KCATA facility at East 17th Street and Forest Avenue would have to first undergo a costly overhaul before the buses can switch to compressed natural gas.
But the KCATA says it would pay off over time.
It would take $6 to 8 million in federal grants and 18 months in infrastructure changes before all 225 buses can begin to be replaced.
Chief engineer Dick Jarrold says compressed natural gas could save close to $2.5 million locally in fuel costs per year.
Compressed natural gas is found domestically, so it is also considered a local product, as opposed to foreign oil.
If money is secured by the end of this year, building changes could be finished by the end of 2013.
"That means we have to take our existing buildings and make them explosion-proof, which means different light fixtures. We would have to put detectors in and increase ventilation requirements," said KCATA chief engineer Dick Jarrold.
KCATA would replace buses as they die, and it is projected to take 14 years before the transition is complete.
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