Grant to Pay for New Refuse Truck in GP

officials will soon purchase a new refuse truck to replace one within their exsiting fleet using a federal grant that will cover up to a $176,000 purchase.

The grant, which is part of the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program, requires City officials to purchase a truck with lower emissions than the truck it will replace.

Director of Public Service Paul Weitzel announced the grant award to council this month, explaining Public Service Supervisor Gary Huvaere is responsible. He pursued the grant and wrote the application, Weitzel said.

The council passed a resolution to accept the grant and complimented Huvaere for his efforts.

Weitzel said the grant is significannt for the City because it is allowing officials to purchase a new truck that otherwise would not have been possible. The fleet of refuse trucks vary in age, but Weitzel said it was about time to purchase a replacement.

Without the grant, the purchase would have likely been many more years down the road, he said, during which the existing truck would have continued to cost the city money for the maintenance and upkeep.

Officials gathered estimates on new trucks and they expect the grant will be enough to cover the total cost.