The Fleet Maintenance Branch:

The Fleet Maintenance Branch coordinates the maintenance operation for a mixed fleet of 5,100 units, e.g., automotive, trucks, commercial construction equipment, and ancillary equipment. The Branch operates seven maintenance shops; this branch directs and coordinates the Clean Air Act initiatives for the Department of Public Works & Engineering by working with the City of Houston Clean Air Committee and participating in the Diesel Demonstration Program. The branch also coordinates a co-operative project with the University of Houston, Rice University, Texas Southern University, and the City of Houston for a research facility to test catalytic converters and particulate traps in reduction of the amount of Nitrogen Oxide emitted in the air by diesel engines. In addition, the branch is coordinating the development of a heavy duty diesel electric hybrid power system with the U.S. Army National Automotive Center and Private Enterprise Corporations for medium/heavy duty categories of vehicles and equipment for both on and off-road applications. The branch is also coordinating a project with the Department of Energy, Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory in advanced catalytic control technology for diesel engines.