KANSAS CITY, MO - The Kansas City Police Department (KCPD) is converting 12 of its administrative vehicles to run on compressed natural gas in an effort to reduce costs and pollution. In addition, the department will purchase a Ford E-350 propane-fueled truck for use. These are the first alternative-fuel vehicles to enter the KCPD fleet, according to Darrell Cooper, fleet supervisor for the KCPD.

Two converted CNG Chevrolet Impalas are already in use, and 10 brand-new 2010-MY Ford Crown Victorias are expected to be converted by late December or January, Cooper said. The first converted Crown Vic is expected to arrive within two or three weeks.

Cooper is working on ordering the E-350, which will be a Roush CleanTech factory equipped vehicle. It will be used in the Property and Equipment division and is expected to arrive around the end of this year.

The department has a total of 878 vehicles, excluding leases.

The City of Kansas City has a CNG fueling station for use, and Ferrellgas will install a propane-autogas fuel station close to where the van will do business, Cooper said.

The cost difference between CNG and gasoline will result in significant fuel savings for converted vehicles. Conversions are paid for by an American Recovery and Reinvestment grant.