The Central Florida Regional Transit Authority LYNX system will become the nation’s first transit agency to build its own biodiesel blending facility at Rosen Shingle Creek in southeast Orange County.

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist joined LYNX CEO Linda S. Watson, Orange County Mayor Richard T. Crotty, State Senator Lee Constantine and Jeremy Susac, executive director of the Florida Energy & Climate Commission, to officially sign the contract awarding $2.5 million for the project.

The project will enable LYNX to reduce its use of fossil fuel by 1.2 million gallons and lower its carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 26 million pounds each year. LYNX will be the first transit agency in the nation to own, operate and produce “on demand” blending to fully convert its fleet. It will also be the first to distribute custom blending to a partnership of other local governmental agencies such as the Orange County Convention Center and Orlando Utility Commission.

The conversion should take place by next July. Ground breaking for the facility should be in October 2008.