Des Plaines could switch fleet to alternative fuels

Des Plaines is hiring a consultant to examine the feasibility of converting the city's fleet to alternative fuels and the possibility of constructing a fueling station in town.

The city council voted 6-1 to authorize a $25,000 study by Columbia, Maryland-based Energetics, Inc. The consultant also is expected to provide city officials with a cost analysis to retrofit vehicles for alternative fuels, and information of any grant, rebate or incentive programs offered by the state or federal government.

"This is something that is not a flash in the pan. It's going on all over this country," said Sixth Ward Alderman Mark Walsten. "Do you want to pay $4 a gallon or would you rather pay 70 to 80 cents a gallon?"

First Ward Alderman Patty Haugeberg voted against the study, saying the city often pays for studies, then doesn't do anything beyond that.