17/10/2002 – $4 Million Federal Grant For Two John Fitch Projects
Lime Rock – The federal government has awarded $4 million USD to Advanced Power Systems International (APSI), the company with offices at White Hollow Farm that was founded by John Fitch, a former world renowned race car driver and the designer and engineer of the race track at Lime Rock Park.
U.S. Congresswoman Nancy Johnson announced the award Monday and said it is part of a $44.6 million appropriation for nine defense projects for Connecticut companies.
The money was awarded to APSI for two projects involving the Fitch Fuel Catalyst. Three million dollars will be spent by the U.S. Navy to purchase permanent pre-combustion fuel catalysts from APSI for 4,000 of the service’s biggest fuel guzzlers, including patrol boats, escort boats, security boats, tugs and work boats.
The Fitch Fuel Catalyst makes engines operate more efficiently so they use less fuel. In some cases Navy vessels have used as much as 25 percent less fuel when the catalyst was utilized.
The other $1 million will be used for further fuel catalyst research on ground-based vehicles.
This is the second year the government has invested in APSI. Last year $500,000 was awarded to the firm for research and evaluation of the catalyst.
“The Fitch Fuel Catalyst refines gasoline and other hydrocarbon fuels immediately before combustion in an engine, thereby increasing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions in Department of Defense vehicles,” according to a press release from Johnson’s office.
By Cynthia Hochswender
The Lake Ville Journal
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