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Omaha utility company to build two natural gas fueling stations

By Katie Knapp Schubert

Omaha, NE – Omaha's Metropolitan Utilities District plans to build two natural gas fueling stations.

The utility announced this week it'll spend $2.2 million dollars on the fueling stations in Omaha. 20 percent of MUD's vehicle fleet runs on compressed natural gas. CEO Doug Clark says the company plans to add 84 new compressed natural gas-powered vehicles within the next year, with the goal of 50 percent of its fleet running on the clean fuel.

Clark says natural gas-powered vehicles cost $6,000 to $16,000 more than gasoline-powered ones. But he says the vehicles pay for themselves within a few years because of the cost of fuel. Compressed natural gas currently sells for about $1.29 a gallon.

The natural gas fueling stations will be located at 63rd and Center Street and at 54th and L Street. Both will be open to the public. The 54th and L station will also provide fuel for 50 compressed natural gas-powered vehicles Happy Cab plans to add to its fleet.