Awards, Ratings & Rankings

Boise City Enjoys the Benefits of Investing in Safety and Compressed Natural Gas

May 11, 2016 10:15 AM ET
From left to right: Mike Huycke – Northwest Area President, Neal Oldemeyer – Boise Public Works Director, TJ Thomson – Boise City Council, David Bedford – Republic Services’ Driver of the Year, Dave Fisher – General Manager, Republic Services of Idaho, Elaine Clegg – Boise City Council President, Lauren McLean – Boise City Council, Maryanne Jordan – Boise City Council, Ben Quintana – Boise City Council, Scott Ludwig – Boise City Council

Republic Services of Idaho recently presented the City of Boise with a check for $117,000 to launch the City’s first electric vehicle fleet. During the presentation, David Bedford was also recognized as NWRA’s National Driver of the Year (Industrial LOB).

In 2009, the City of Boise supported Republic’s first Compressed Natural Gas fleet in the country with onsite fueling infrastructure by signing a ten year “cost-plus” contract extension. Boise was hopeful that conversion from diesel to CNG trucks would improve air quality and contain customer rates. The Department of Energy awarded a $6.5M grant to the Treasure Valley Clean Cities Coalition and Republic Services to expedited the CNG fleet conversion by covering much of the investment in CNG shop upgrades, technician training, onsite fleet fueling infrastructure and the construction of two public CNG stations.

At the close of 2015, the federal government granted a compression tax credit ($0.50/diesel gallon equivalent) that was retroactive for 2015 and active in 2016. The CNG taxes rebated to Republic Services in Idaho were awarded back to the cities for municipal investment. Boise City, Republic’s largest Idaho customer in the region, received $117,000, which will be used to purchase the City’s first plug-in electric vehicle (EV) fleet of four cars and four charging stations. The electric vehicles will further the City’s commitment to improve local air quality and address climate change.

At this same meeting, David Bedford, a 35-year veteran with Republic Services, was recognized for his award as NWRA’s National Driver of the Year (Industrial). David has spent his entire career servicing Boise customers. He has an impeccable safety record, outstanding customer service statistics, supports the other drivers and collaborates daily with colleagues to represent Republic Services. David is an example of what it means to invest in the right people and give them the tools and training to succeed. Next month, David will be recognized by NWRA at Waste Expo in Las Vegas, as a Driver of the Year. His prize is a new CNG roll-off truck with “David Bedford, Driver of the Year” stamped on each door.