Rocky Mount’s Public Works Department and the N.C. Solar Center Transportation Group will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday at the Environmental Services Building, 1221 Thorpe Road, to introduce the city’s new natural gas vehicles and refueling station.

“CNG is a cleaner burning fuel as opposed to diesel which emits nitrous oxide and contributes to smog,” Public Works Director Jonathan Boone said. “With our two rear loaders, we have saved approximately 330 gallons of diesel per month. CNG is less expensive – about half the cost of diesel.”

The rear loaders, used to pick up yard waste, are the first Public Works Department vehicles to use the new fuel type.

The department received a sub-award grant from the N.C. Solar Center through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Carolina Blue Skies Initiative to work on the conversion. The grant covered over 90 percent of the costs for the new fuel station, which has been in operation since late July, and the cost differential between the new refuse trucks and diesel powered trucks.

The public is invited to attend the ceremony. For more information, contact Public Affairs Manager Tameka Kenan-Norman at 252-972-1333 or email her at Tameka.Kenan-Norman@rockymountnc.gov.