SYRACUSE - Mayor Matthew Driscoll Tuesday, Earth Day, announced the City of Syracuse is doing its part to help reduce its carbon footprint with the addition of a new “green” vehicle, a Compressed Natural Gas waste collection truck, to the Department of Public Works fleet to be used throughout the city. 

The new “green” CNG vehicle runs on one of the cleanest fuels currently available, has lower operating and maintenance costs, and produces dramatically lower emissions. This truck is another example of the City of Syracuse’s efforts to building a more sustainable community, said the mayor.

The truck will be used throughout the city including the downtown central business district, the University area, East Genesee Street, Westcott Street, James Street, Eastwood and North Salina Street.  The truck cost $187,000 and was paid out of the 2007/2008 Capital Equipment Fund.

The DPW upgraded its CNG fueling station facility in 2005, with the help from a grant from NYSERDA.  The city is also in the process of evaluating a CNG street sweeper that would be used downtown as well as in the neighborhoods.