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Blu., Salt Lake City-based company that builds and operates natural gas fueling stations, said it will add 73 jobs in Utah as it expands production.

Engineers, environmental control staff, safety technicians and contracting agents are among those the company will hire, company officials said..

The Governor's Office of Economic Development board of directors approved a $463,536 incentive for Blu. to assist in its expansion, according to a press release. The incentive is the form of an Economic Development Tax Increment Finance (EDTIF) post-performance refundable tax credit.

As part of the company's seven-year agreement with the state, Blu. will pay out more than $49 million in new state wages and approximately $2.3 million in new state taxes, according to the release. It also will invest more than $6 million in its Salt Lake City headquarters.

Gov. Gary Herbert said in the release that the GOED incentive helps achieve the goals of his Utah Clean Air Partnership.

"The expansion by Blu. is a key step in growing our state's practical application of green energy convenience and supply chain, allowing fleets and individuals to justify use of clean natural gas vehicles," Herbert said.

Blu. CEO Meritt Norton said the company will begin hiring immediately.

"We're excited about the support and encouragement from state of Utah," he said. "This means there'll be more jobs, more energy security and cleaner air. Natural gas is a clean, alternative fuel that makes economic sense. Utah has been a leader in this area, and we hope to increase that lead."

Blu. employes about 100 workers in Utah and an additional 45 nationwide.

In Utah, the company operates six natural gas stations, in Salt Lake City, Myton, Beaver and St. George, and is planning to open a station in Ogden. Blu. also has opened or is planning construction on stations in the Northwest, Midwest and along the East Coast.

Liquid natural gas is an efficient vehicle fuel that's especially effective in long-range and high-horsepower vehicle applications, said company officials.

Burning natural gas provides the same byproducts as breathing — water and CO2. Running fleets on natural gas can reduce carbon footprint by more than 25 percent, according to Blu.

Utah has nearly 40 natural gas refueling stations operating from St. George to Logan. —

Blu. natural gas stations in Utah

Salt Lake City • 2100 S. 850 West

Salt Lake City • 1881 California Ave.

Salt Lake City • 1445 S. Gustin Road

Ogden • Coming soon

Myton • Sand Wash Road

Beaver • Interstate 15 and State Road 160

St. George • Interstate 15, Hurricane exit

Stations open or planned in other states

Georgia

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Michigan

Nevada

New Jersey

Ohio

Oregon

Washington