Oklahoma City seeks grant for Bricktown water taxi electric motors

“They've pretty much given us an OK on it, but they have to formally go through the process of sending it through the federal Department of Energy for a sign-off,” said Larry Ogle, assistant director of Oklahoma City's Parks and Recreation Department. “They approved the grant pending (a) successful outcome on that.”

Energy efficient

The funds are for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects from the recession's stimulus packages and include a provision to buy American-made parts, so part of the remaining steps are to get motors assembled in the U.S., Ogle said.

Water Taxis operates the gas-powered taxis in the Bricktown Canal and also two electric-powered boats at the Oklahoma City Zoo, Water Taxis general manager Chad Huntington said. The simpler electric motors have a good track record compared to the combustion engines.

“The electric motors have proved to be very reliable,” Huntington said. They tend to have very good service records and they also are very clean and very quiet.”

The lack of exhaust fumes also will make for cleaner air near the canal and cleaner water.