The numbers are in and they show the County of Door could save a significant amount of money by using natural gas instead of propane at its hot mix asphalt plant.
Annual cost savings are estimated to be $124,757.
The projected cost to make the switch, including extending the natural gas line to the Highway Department's hot mix plant and making equipment modifications, is $150,762. In a November 8 memo to members of the Highway Committee, Highway Commissioner John Kolodziej called the cost "significantly lower" than originally proposed.
Money for the project would be borrowed from the county's Jurisdictional Transfer fund and be paid back over three years.
The County Board will take up the proposal on Tuesday.
New discoveries in shales combined with new technology have created a large supply of natural gas leading to significant reductions in its price.
