Title
Grant Application to the Federal Transit Administration’s Low or No Emission Vehicle Grant Program (NB)
This is a request for City Commission approval for the Regional Transit System (RTS) to submit a grant application to the Federal Transit Administration’s Low or No Emission Vehicle Grant Program.
Explanation
On April 23, 2018, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced the availability of approximately $84.45 million for the purchase or lease of low or no emission vehicles as well as related equipment or facilities. The Low or No Emission Competitive program provides funding to state and local governmental authorities for the purchase or lease of zero-emission and low-emission transit buses as well as acquisition, construction, and leasing of required supporting facilities. The main purpose of the Low-No Program is to support the transition of the nation’s transit fleet to the lowest polluting and most energy efficient transit vehicles. The grant program encourages applicants to partner with key electric/low-emission vehicle industries as well as project consultants.
RTS provides key services for the community, providing over 10 million safe, reliable, and convenient passenger trips per year. To continue to do this, RTS is in critical need of new buses. The average fleet age is approximately 10 years old with nearly 40% of buses past their useful life. Newer buses improve comfort, increase schedule reliability, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. With the largest transit mode share and the highest service productivity in the state, and as a successful recipient of an FY17 Low or No Emission Vehicle Program grant award, RTS is positioned to implement this project quickly and effectively, if funded.
Eligible recipients may submit an application in partnership with other entities that intend to participate in the implementation of the project, including but not limited to specific vehicle manufacturers, equipment vendors, owners or operators of related facilities, or project consultants. For its FY18 application, RTS is partnering with Gillig (electric bus manufacturer), and the Center for Transportation and the Environment, a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization that develops technologies and implements solutions to achieve energy and environmental sustainability Applicants must submit proposals electronically no later than June 18, 2018.
Fiscal Note
RTS would like to apply to the FTA for approximately $3 million in funding through the Low or No Emission Vehicle Grant Program. The grant requires a 20% match which can be met with Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) toll development credits; RTS is currently eligible to utilize toll credits for this grant application.
Recommendation
The City Commission authorize the City Manager or designee to: 1) submit an application to the Federal Transit Administration’s Low or No Emission Vehicle Grant Program, and 2) if the grant is awarded, execute the grant award agreement and all related documents, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.