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CC - Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing Staff to Submit Applications to the Mobile Source Reduction Committee (MSRC) Local Government Partnership Program and Authorize an Application for Grant Funding Associated with the Purchase of Alternative Fuel Vehicles.
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Meeting Date: February 26, 2018
Contact Person/Dept: Paul Condran/Transportation
Phone Number: (310) 253-6500
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [] Attachments: [X]
Commission Action Required: Yes [] No [X] Date:
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (02/20/18);
Department Approval: Art Ida, Transportation Director (02/06/18)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council adopt a resolution acknowledging receipt of MSRC-provided PowerPoint Presentation, authorizing staff to apply for grant funding associated with the purchase of alternative fuel vehicles through Clean Transportation Funding from the Mobile Source Reduction Committee (MSRC), and allocating matching funds from the City’s AB 2766 Subvention Fund account.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The City, situated in the South Coast Region of California, is mandated to comply with State and local clean air rules for municipal fleets, as administered by the AQMD.
Every year, the AQMD and the MSRC allocate discretionary funds for clean air projects to assist local fleets in meeting these mandates. In 2017, MSRC established the "Local Government Partnership Program" to partner with local cities and counties within the South Coast region to "jumpstart" implementation of the South Coast AQMD's 2016 Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP). The 2016 AQMP was adopted by the South
Coast AQMD Governing Board on March 3, 2017, and serves as the official "road map" for reaching federal clean air goals.
In addition to direct air quality benefits, the MSRC Local Government Partnership Program also provides participating cities with the opportunity to increase awareness of the MSRC's mission and the SCAQMD's 2016 AQMP. Accordingly, staff will be presenting a PowerPoint presentation prepared by MSRC at the administrative hearing for this item on February 26, 2018.
The Local Government Partnership Program provides additional funding, beyond funding provided through the AB 2766 Subvention Fund Program, to assist local agencies in implementing high priority clean air programs that are consistent with the stated goals in the 2016 AQMP. The program emphasizes an accelerated transition to zero and near-zero vehicles along with essential supporting infrastructure. Funding is provided on a reserved basis (not a competitive basis) for all local agencies that participate in the AB 2766 program. The City of Culver City has a reserved funding amount of approximately $51,000.00.
Since the initiation of air quality grant activities in 2002, the City has been awarded over $2.5 million in grant funds from the AQMD and the MSRC for the purchase of alternative fuel vehicles and associated clean air projects. Currently, staff is managing $340,000 in active alternative fuel vehicle grants. In addition, staff manages the AB2766 Subvention Fund which is utilized to replace petroleum-fueled vehicles which have reached the end of their useful life. These replacements include a variety of alternative fuel vehicles for City use, including hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in electric vehicles, and light-, medium- and heavy-duty CNG vehicles. These funds are also utilized for alternative fuel infrastructure enhancement projects such as the City’s CNG refueling station and electric vehicle charging stations for the City’s fleet, and for patrol bicycles for the Police Department.
The City has been committed to the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) as the alternative fuel of choice for the City’s fleet. New electric vehicle technologies are also being implemented, when applicable. The opportunity to apply for clean air grant funding assists in off-setting the costs of alternative fuel engines versus their diesel- and unleaded-fueled counterparts. In keeping with the City standard, staff recommends that a Project Plan (i.e. application) be submitted to the MSRC Local Government Partnership Program for the purchase of eight (8) new CNG-powered front loading refuse trucks. Costs associated with the purchase of near-zero emission heavy-duty alternative fuel vehicles, such as these, are eligible for MSRC grant funding up to $25,000 per vehicle. These vehicles will be outfitted with the latest ultra-low NOx natural gas engines, emitting lower levels of nitrogen oxide (NOx) than the CNG vehicles they will replace. These engines meet the 0.02 g/bhp-hr optional Near Zero NOx Emissions standards from both the Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
The cost for new front loading, CNG powered refuse trucks is anticipated in the current budget. The proposed grant funds would help to offset City expenditure for the purchase of these alternative fuel vehicles.
No General Fund monies are necessary to implement the grant funding process.
ATTACHMENTS
1. 2018-02-26 - ATT MSRC Local Government Partnership Program Presentation
2. 2018-02-26 - ATT MSRC Local Government Partnership Program Proposed Resolution
MOTION
That the City Council:
Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Staff to Submit Applications to the Mobile Source Reduction Committee (MSRC) Local Government Partnership Program and Authorize an Application for Grant Funding Associated with the Purchase of Alternative Fuel Vehicles.