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NAVFAC Southeast Welcomes Arrival of ARRA Funded Hybrid Vehicles

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090720-07
Release Date: 7/20/2009 3:55:00 PM

From Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast Public Affairs

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southeast started to replace 25 percent of its Federal Fleet Vehicles with hybrids funded by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) July 6.

The first vehicle, a Chevrolet Hybrid Malibu, will be assigned to the "C" pool as VIP or will replace an older "B" Pool vehicle on board Naval Air Station Jacksonville.

Government Services Administration (GSA) received $300 million in ARRA funds to replace agency owned vehicles with new, more fuel efficient vehicles. NAVFAC Southeast will utilize approximately $5 million for fleet vehicle replacement, throughout the southeast.

The vehicles will arrive in two phases.

"GSA approved replacement of 58 light fleet vehicles in the first phase and 201 assets in the second phase," said John Joneikis, NAVFAC Southeast Base Support Vehicles and Equipment product line coordinator.

The first phase hybrid sedans and sports utility vehicles have started to arrive while all other vehicles are currently in production and expected delivery will begin toward the end of July.

The new vehicles are all considered 'green' vehicles and meet Environmental Protection Agency requirements for 28 miles per gallon or better and less green house gas emissions.

"We will have the most 'green' fleet in the Navy," remarked Jeff Killian, NAVFAC Southeast Public Works Business Line coordinator.

The addition of the new 'green' vehicles to the Navy fleet will help the Navy in achieving better fuel economy, reduced petroleum consumption and contribute to a cleaner environment through green house gas emission reductions.

This supports the president's focus on energy conservation and energy independence. Executive Order 14323 dated Jan. 24, 2007 puts forward the direction
"Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management." Requirements include improving energy efficiency, reducing energy intensity, reducing water consumption intensity and acquiring goods and services using sustainable environmental practices (energy-efficient, water-efficient and recycled-content products).

"We are following the new policy statement that requires that commands take prescriptive actions to adhere to the Navy's Energy Consumption Guidelines," said Killian. "Our public works officers are working directly with the installation commanding officers to support them as they implement the president's newly published guidelines on energy conservation."

The Navy is to receive close to 1,000 alternative fuel vehicles and hybrid vehicles through GSA's ARRA stimulus funding to replace Navy-owned assets.

Existing Navy-owned assets will be traded for the new vehicles at designated exchange centers, the old vehicles will be auctioned off by GSA, and the funding will be used to purchase a third round of vehicles in the July/August timeframe.

ARRA projects are intended to modernize Navy and Marine Corps shore infrastructure, enhance America's energy independence and sustain a steady and robust maritime force for decades.