Along with water conservation, environmental protection is a major concern for the board of commissioners at the Plainview Water District. Last year, with an eye toward protecting the environment, the board approved the purchase of an alternative fuel truck which operates primarily on compressed natural gas. In support of the commissioner's efforts, the Greater Long Island Clean Cities Coalition recently awarded the water district almost $3,000 for the purchase of an additional natural gas vehicle. According to Commissioner Joel Kessler, this award will be used to offset the incremental cost difference between a natural gas truck versus a gasoline powered vehicle.

"When we purchased our first alternative fuel vehicle, our long range goal was to eventually phase in a fleet of vehicles utilizing low emission alternative fuels," stated Sam Panciroli, chairman of the board of commissioners. "This grant enables us to move ahead with this plan. We continuously search for ways to alleviate the impact on our environment, and these alternative fuel trucks are a step in the right direction."

According to Commissioner Edward Shulroff, compressed natural gas vehicles cost approximately $5,000 more than conventional gasoline powered vehicles. A major benefit of a compressed natural gas vehicle is the price of fuel, which is approximately 35 percent less expensive per gallon when compared to gasoline. The truck will be fueled at the Brooklyn Union Gas (formerly LILCO) facility located in Hicksville.

Following are the scheduled Plainview Water District Board Meeting dates for April:

Monday, April 3 - 8 p.m.

Monday, April 10 - 8 p.m.

Tuesday, April 18 - 8 p.m.

Tuesday, April 25 - 8 p.m.

All meetings will be held in the board room of the water district administration building located on 10 Manetto Hill Road, Plainview. Residents who require additional information should contact the water district at 931-6469.