Enfield is one of seven towns who have been awarded grants to replace older diesel trucks with cleaner, more efficient new vehicles.
In a news release Thursday, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced that Enfield will receive $43,000 for a maintenance/snow plowing truck.
The funds, totaling $360,000, are from a settlement of a case involving environmental violations with American Electric Power Service Corporation of Columbus, Ohio, and are required to be used to reduce diesel emissions in heavy traffic areas in environmental justice communities, the release stated.
“We must continue moving forward to improve the quality of the air we breathe to better protect the health and well being of Connecticut’s citizens,” Daniel C. Esty, Commissioner of the Connecticut DEEP, said in the releaase. “Removing older diesel-fueled trucks from our roads and replacing them with vehicles that meet the latest standards for fuel efficiency and reduced air emissions is a big part of this effort. The use of this grant money is consistent with Governor Malloy’s energy agenda of promoting greater efficiency and reducing air emissions.”
Attorney General George Jepsen said in the release, “Connecticut has been able to improve its air quality in part because of this settlement, won by my office on behalf of the state. It led to the installation of pollution controls by the Ohio company, but also provided settlement funds that are being used by DEEP to make interim improvements to air quality within Connecticut.”
Enfield Director of Public Works Jonathan Bilmes said the grant will pay for a portion of a maintenance/snow removal truck. That vehicle, approved by the town council in October and valued at $172,000, will replace one that has been in operation since 1996, he said.
"It is an important vehicle for maintenance and plowing," Bilmes said. "The town council and town manager have been very proactive in looking at aged vehicles and making a conscious effort to help us upgrade our fleet."
Bilmes noted the grant is for 25 percent of the vehicle's value, the maximum percentage payable.
Other municipalities receiving grants from the settlement are Stamford, Wethersfield, Naugatuck, Waterbury, Plainville and Middletown.