SPRINGFIELD, MO - City of Springfield officials want to transition from regular gasoline in the city's fleet to compressed natural gas, according to KY3 News.

City Manager Greg Burris calls it a win-win-win, with benefits such as burning cleaner, lessen dependence on foreign oil, and extend the life of vehicles, KY3 reported.

Springfield Public Works Department vehicles will be the first to transition to natural gas. Springfield is due to buy five new vehicles right now, and the plan is to buy pre-converted vehicles that run on this compressed gas. Later, the City will convert other, older vehicles, according to KY3.

While the cost of the new cars and trucks is a little higher up-front, estimates show within 7 years, the city will make up the cost for years to come, reported KY3. Burris said he can get compressed natural gas for $2 cheaper per gallon than regular unleaded.

"It'll be cheaper to operate the vehicles," Burris said. "The vehicle will last longer and they'll burn cleaner."

Springfield, Greene County, and City Utilities of Springfield are joining together to make up the money needed; $700,000 for the project has already been earmarked from federal funds.

The City hopes the Public Works department will be pumping out natural gas for some of its cars by the end of 2010, reported KY3.