FROM STAFF REPORTS

 CALERA — A compressed natural gas station for use by trucking companies and other approved fleets is slated for construction in Calera.

Evergreen Transport, LLC has partnered with U.S. oil to the build the GAIN Clean Fuel station, to be located at an existing Evergreen Transport fueling and maintenance facility off Highway 25.

The GAIN station will support Evergreen Transport’s initial conversion of 12 trucks to compressed natural gas, with the potential to convert additional trucks in the next several years.

“GAIN’s flexibility in siting the facility where it’s most advantageous to our fleet was key to moving forward with our partnership,” Evergreen Transport president David Wildberger said in a news release. “GAIN really worked to meet our needs and we’re excited about this new opportunity and relationship.”

Bill Renz, general manager of GAIN, also is looking forward to the unique partnership.

“In addition to expanding our nationwide compressed natural gas network, this partnership is a joint venture, giving both companies the opportunity to benefit from the economic advantages of compressed natural gas.”

Compressed natural gas is more cost-effective than diesel fuel, with savings of more than $2 per gallon. In addition, the reduced carbon emissions are better for the environment when compared to diesel fuel, according to GAIN.

When completed, the new location will be open 24 hours a day. U.S. Oil currently operates nine GAIN stations, and has an additional 12 new GAIN Clean Fuel stations under construction.