Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper recently announced the availability of $30 million in funding for the state's natural gas fueling infrastructure through the Federal Highway Administration’s Congestion, Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program.

"These funds are critical to support installation of compressed natural gas fueling stations along the state's major transportation corridors," said Hickenlooper in a statement. "These stations will help ensure an NGV (natural gas vehicle) owner can drive nearly anywhere across the state fueled by Colorado-produced gas."

According to the U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center, there are currently 17 compressed natural gas (CNG) stations in Colorado. The CMAQ funds would assist with the construction of approximately 30 CNG fueling stations, as well as the adoption of at least 1,000 NGVs that would be used across the state. The four-year program will be managed by the Colorado Energy Office with the support of the Colorado Department of Transportation, the Regional Air Quality Council, and local governments.

"Increased use of natural gas as a transportation fuel diversifies Colorado's portfolio, supports locally produced energy, improves air quality and can save money through lower fuel costs," Hickenlooper said.