Some possible upgrades to a state transportation facility in Auburn are clearing the way for a city proposal to purchase vehicles that run on natural gas.

According to the state Department of Transportation, a natural gas fueling station located on Dunning Avenue will likely receive renovations in the near future.

Because of this, Auburn is moving forward with a plan to add two natural gas-powered trash compactors to its city fleet, City Manager Mark Palesh said Monday.

“They said they are going to redo that (station) and make sure it is capable to do what we need it to do,” Palesh said Wednesday. “As soon as we solidify some federal grants, we are going to go ahead and order first two (trucks).”

The two compactors, made by Autocar, are expected to cost approximately $140,000 each after the grants, according to city officials.

Garbage pickup crews had a chance to test one of the trash trucks on a route when it came to Auburn in July.

Though the vehicle performed well, Palesh said there were concerns over how it would get its fuel.

The Auburn station was built approximately three years ago to supply natural gas to state vehicles.

But because of capacity issues, it will not meet the city's needs in its current state if the trucks are purchased, Palesh said.

The closest station that does meet those needs is located in Syracuse, he said.

City officials met with a DOT representative and toured stations in Syracuse and Auburn, and the state has agreed to help out, Palesh said.

State DOT spokesperson Skip Carrier confirmed Wednesday that an effort is being made to form some sort of city-state partnership to improve and maintain the fueling station.

“We have to obtain a few pieces of equipment,” Carrier said. “But we're trying to see if we can come up with a way to make it happen.”

The city public works department currently has 16 trucks and five trash compactors, Palesh said. If the two natural gas compactors are purchased, it could be the first step toward a city fleet powered entirely by alternative energy sources, he said.

Ultimately, the hope is to “create a green circle” with the city's trash service, Palesh said. The trucks would pick up your trash. That trash would be brought to the landfill and converted to methane through the soon-to-be-built digester. The trucks could then be powered with that methane, along with other natural gas sources.

“That's where the emphasis is going to be,” Palesh said. “You start with a small step, and hopefully, you get moving.”

Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net.