title
CC - CONSENT ITEM: (1) Authorization to Submit Applications to the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBG) and/or Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) for (a) the Culver City Bus Facility Partial Electrification Project; (b) the Culver City Transit Center Future Visioning Study; and (c) the Culver City Hydrogen Bus Pilot Project, with a total 11.47% Local Match Commitment in the Amount of $1,804,349; and (2) Approval of a Letter in Support of the Applications for STBG and/or CMAQ funding to be signed by the Mayor.
body
Meeting Date: May 12, 2025
Contact Person/Dept.: Jeremy Marks/Transportation Department
Phone Number: (310) 253-6508
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Attachments: Yes [] No [X]
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (05/07/2025)
Department Approval: Diana Chang, Chief Transportation Officer (04/29/2025)
_____________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council (1) authorize the submission of three competitive grant applications to the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBG) and/or Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) for (a) the Culver City Bus Facility Partial Electrification Project; (b) the Culver City Transit Center Future Visioning Study; and (c) the Culver City Hydrogen Bus Pilot Project, with a total 11.47% Local Match Commitment in the amount of $1,804,349; and (2) approve a letter in support of the applications for STBG and/or CMAQ funding to be signed by the Culver City Mayor.
BACKGROUND
Culver City is seeking City Council authorization to submit three competitive grant applications to support key transit-related projects that align with the City’s sustainability, mobility, and public service goals. Each proposed project advances Culver City’s efforts to transition to a zero-emission bus fleet, improve transit infrastructure, and enhance the rider experience for the community and region.
Culver City Hydrogen Bus Pilot Project
The first grant application supports the Culver City Hydrogen Bus Pilot Project, which aims to evaluate the feasibility of using hydrogen fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs) as part of the City's broader zero-emission fleet transition. While the City currently operates four battery-electric buses, their limited range prevents deployment on many routes. A recent Hydrogen Bus Study found that FCEBs could cover all existing routes without the need for midday refueling, offering a more flexible alternative. However, significant infrastructure constraints at the current operations facility necessitate the lease of a new site for mobile hydrogen fueling. The grant would fund site leasing, environmental review, procurement of two FCEBs, a mobile fueling station, and project management.
Culver City Transit Center Future Visioning Study
The second application pertains to the Culver City Transit Center Future Visioning Study, a strategic planning effort focused on addressing infrastructure, operational, and capacity limitations at the existing Culver City Transit Center (CCTC). The current site serves multiple regional transit agencies but suffers from limited space, aging infrastructure, and lacks flexibility to support future growth, zero-emission transitions, and upcoming regional mega-events. The study will assess current and projected operational needs, evaluate the existing site and alternative locations, and develop recommendations for reconfiguration, improvement, and/or or relocation. The study will aim to create a multi-modal regional mobility hub for transit and other mobility services and will explore the possibility of integrating zero-emission fueling infrastructure. The goal is to improve access and overall passenger experience.
Culver CityBus Facility Partial Electrification Project
The third grant application request supports the Culver CityBus Facility Partial Electrification Project, which will provide necessary infrastructure and fleet upgrades to enable the deployment of six new battery-electric buses (BEBs). This project includes the design, engineering, and environmental documentation required for charging infrastructure, the acquisition and installation of that infrastructure, and-critically-the procurement of six new BEBs to replace aging renewable compressed natural gas (rCNG) buses to meet the zero-emission mandate in the future. In addition to the near-term goal of partial fleet electrification, the project will generate 100% design plans for the design of the Culver CityBus Facility to support a future 100% alternative fuel fleet, consistent with the City’s 2040 sustainability commitments and the ongoing Zero Emission Master Plan.
Together, these three projects represent key components of the holistic plan to improve Culver City’s transit and mobility future. They are designed to improve environmental outcomes, strengthen operational resiliency, and meet both immediate and long-term service demands. City Council approval to submit these competitive grant applications will position Culver City to secure critical external funding and advance its strategic transportation and sustainability objectives.
DISCUSSION
Submission of these three competitive grant applications reflects Culver City’s strategic commitment to advancing a cleaner, more resilient public transportation system that meets the evolving needs of the community. Each project supports distinct, yet complementary, elements of the City’s long-term transportation and sustainability goals.
The Hydrogen Bus Pilot Project will allow the City to test and evaluate hydrogen fuel cell technology in real-world operations, helping determine the most viable path forward for expanding the zero-emission bus fleet. The Transit Center Future Visioning Study will address key operational, spatial, and amenity deficiencies at one of the City’s most important transit hubs, while also identifying how to better accommodate the future of regional mobility, including the exploration of potential infrastructure for zero-emission buses. Meanwhile, the Culver CityBus Facility Partial Electrification Project supports near-term zero emission fleet transition through the purchase and deployment of six battery-electric buses and their associated charging infrastructure, while also preparing the City for full facility upgrades needed to support long-term fleet conversion.
Together, these projects offer a phased and data-driven approach to transitioning the City’s transit system toward zero-emission operations. Grant funding would significantly offset costs associated with planning, infrastructure development, and vehicle procurement, and would strengthen Culver City’s position as a regional leader in sustainable transportation innovation. Staff recommends City Council approve submittal of all three grant applications to advance these critical initiatives.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
Staff estimates the total cost to complete the projects to be $17,535,375, including consultant fees, design, and staff costs. The CMAQ/STBG grants, if awarded, would provide $15,731,026. Of the total award amount, 11.47%, or $1,804,349, would be provided by the Transportation Department using local transportation funds in compliance with the Grant’s 11.47% minimum local match requirement. The Local Match will originate from transportation-specific funding sources, and no General Fund monies would be used.
If the grant applications are successful, staff will return to Council to appropriate the funds and amend the budget.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
MOTION(S)
That the City Council:
1. Authorize the submission of a competitive grant application to the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBG) and/or Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) for (a) the Culver City Bus Facility Partial Electrification Project; (b) the Culver City Transit Center Future Visioning Study; and (c) the Culver City Hydrogen Bus Pilot Project, with a total 11.47% local match commitment in the amount of $1,804,349;
2. Approve a letter in support of the applications for the CMAQ/STBG Program, to be signed by the Mayor;
3. Authorize the City Attorney to review/prepare any necessary documents; and
4. Authorize the City Manager to execute such documents on behalf of the City.