HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-20-2019 Item 11 - Grant Application for AB 617 Grant Funds, Transit Bus Yard Infrastructure Upgrade Study
Department Name: Public Works
Cost Center: 5201
For Agenda of: August 20, 2019
Placement: Consent
Estimated Time: N/A
FROM: Daryl Grigsby, Director of Public Works
Prepared By: Gamaliel Anguiano, Transit Manager
SUBJECT: GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY AIR
POLLUTION CONTROL DISTRICT AB 617 GRANT FUNDS FOR A
TRANSIT BUS YARD INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADE STUDY.
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the City Manager, to execute and file a grant application with the San Luis Obispo
County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) for a AB 617 Grant for an infrastructure upgrade
study and to execute any related documents on behalf of the City
DISCUSSION
Grant Application to Study Infrastructure Needs to Electrify City’s Transit Fleet
City staff are requesting authorization to apply for grant funding from the California Air
Pollution Control District to study “electrification” of the City transit fleet. If awarded the
funding would be used to prepare a plan for infrastructure needs and estimate costs to facilitate
electrification of the City’s transit fleet. Transitioning the City’s transit fleet to zero emission
vehicles is consistent with the City’s adopted 2019-20 Major City Goal of sustainable
Transportation and the State of California’s Innovative Clean Transit Rules.
Funding Source and Grant: Assembly Bill (AB) 617
The Grant staff is seeking application approval for is provided by California AB 617 which
established the Community Air Protection Program (CAPP). AB 617 provides a community-
focused action framework to improve air quality and reduce exposure to air pollutants and toxic
air contaminants in California communities most impacted by air pollution. This bill provides
funding which the APCD allocates via competitive grants. Eligible project categories include
infrastructure related projects such as design and engineering facilities for transit services.
Early Credits Toward Achieving Innovative Clean Transit (ICT) Fleet Rule
On December 17, 2018 the CARB adopted the Innovative Clean Transit (ICT) fleet rule. The
ICT requires all public transit agencies to transition to a 100 percent zero-emission bus (ZEB)
fleet by 2040. The requirements differ for large and small transit agencies. As shown in the
table, the ZEB purchase requirements begin in 2023 for large transit agencies and 2026 for small
transit agencies, such as San Luis Obispo, based on a percentage of new bus purchases each year.
Transit agencies with purchases made in advance of the requirement dates will be credited
towards their percentage requirements for ZEB’s.
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This study would help ready the Transit Operations & Maintenance Facility for the eventual
purchase of electric powered transit vehicles to meet or exceed ICT deadlines as shown in the
table above.
Policy Context
This Grant application is consistent with the City’s adopted 2019-20 Major City Goals (Active
Transportation and Sustainability) and the State of California’s Innovative Clean Transit Rules.
Financial Management Manual Policy 740 requires that the City Council approve grant
applications equal to or greater than $5,000. The application will request $3 0,000 in combined
City allocated and discretionary competitive award amounts towards pursuing capital purchases
of transit enhancing technology.
Public Engagement
No public engagement was needed as this is an administrative item.
CONCURRENCE
Pursuit of this grant funding is supported by San Luis Obispo Council of Governments.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The California Environmental Quality Act does not apply to the recommended action in this
report, because the action does not constitute a “Project” under CEQA Guidelines Sec. 15378.
FISCAL IMPACT
Budgeted: No Budget Year: 2019-20
Funding Identified: Yes
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Fiscal Analysis:
Funding Sources
Current FY
Cost
Annualized
On-going Cost
Total Project
Cost
General Fund
State – APCD $30,000 $0 $30,000
Federal
Fees
Other:
Total $30,000 $0 $30,000
There is no impact on the City’s General Fund as a result of applying or receiving these grant
funds as existing staff resources will be utilized. Further, there is no requirement for matching
funds from the Transit Enterprise Fund for this project.
ALTERNATIVES
Deny authorization to pursue this Grant application and direct staff to defer an electrifications
infrastructure study to a date uncertain. Staff does not recommend this alternative because it
would diminish the City’s ability to satisfy state mandated 25% electric transit vehicle
procurement rule by the 2026 deadline.
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