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CC - Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing Staff to Submit Applications through June 30, 2021 for Grant Funding Associated with the Purchase of Alternative Fuel Vehicles and Other Emission Control Technologies
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Meeting Date: July 13, 2020
Contact Person/Dept: Allison Cohen/Transportation Department
Phone Number: (310) 253-6543
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 (07/08/2020);
Department Approval: Rolando Cruz, Chief Transportation Officer (06/26/2020)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing staff to apply through June 30, 2021 for grant funding associated with the purchase of alternative fuel vehicles and other emission control technologies, namely, Clean Transportation Funding from the Mobile Source Reduction Committee (MSRC) and the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD), to assist the City in achieving clean air mandates in the South Coast Region of California.
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. Proposals are solicited from cities, counties, school districts and private businesses for grant funded projects including, but not limited to: electric and alternative-fuel refueling infrastructure; heavy-duty alternative fuel vehicle purchases; alternative fuel refuse vehicle purchases; diesel retrofit devices for off-road construction equipment; and transit bus purchases.
The City has been committed to the use of renewable compressed natural gas (RCNG) as the alternative fuel of choice for our City’s fleet, and has recently transitioned to battery electric, zero-emission vehicle technologies. These alternative fuel sources solidify our opportunity to apply for grant funding to assist in off-setting the costs of zero emission engines versus their diesel- and unleaded-fueled counterparts, as well as grant funds toward CNG refueling station and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The City’s receipt of AB2766 Subvention Funds also establishes our eligibility to participate in Local Government Match Programs offered annually by the MSRC. Staff continues to monitor state and local clean air legislation and keeps informed about opportunities to obtain assistance with the purchase of alternative fuel vehicles and other emission control technologies.
On July 8, 2019, the City Council adopted a Resolution which provided authority for staff to pursue these grants during Fiscal Year 2019-2020. Staff is requesting the City Council adopt a similar resolution for the upcoming fiscal year.
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. 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.
The AQMD and MSRC require documented authorization by the City Council for signatory authority on grant applications and associated awarded contracts. The proposed resolution, if adopted by the City Council, would provide such authorization to continue the pursuit of these grant funds during Fiscal Year 2020-2021.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
Awarded grant funds are used to off-set the costs for the alternative fuel vehicles, and also contribute toward alternative fuel infrastructure project costs. Purchases of new alternative fuel vehicles which do not impact the general fund, such as transit buses that have reached their useful life, are purchased using federal and local funds allocated annually in the Transportation Department budget. The purchase of alternative fuel vehicles and equipment is reviewed on an annual basis by the City Council as part of the budget process.
No General Fund monies are necessary to implement the grant funding process.
ATTACHMENTS
1. 2020-07-13_ATT_Resolution_Air Quality Grant Applications
RECOMMENDED MOTIONS
That the City Council:
Adopt a Resolution authorizing the submittal of grant applications and acceptance of such approved funding made available by the AQMD and the MSRC to June 30, 2021 for the purchase of alternative fuel vehicles and other emission control technologies.