Title
Resolution Authorizing Grant Application for the 2014 Clean Fuel Advanced Technology (CFAT) Grant
Body
Department: Financial and Administrative Services
Council District: All
Public Hearing: N/A
Advertising Date/By: N/A
Contact 1 and Phone: Chris Payne, Financial and Administrative Services Dept. Deputy Director, 336-373-2188
Contact 2 and Phone: Jerry Gunter, Equipment Services Division Manager, 336-373-4196
PURPOSE:
The Greensboro Financial and Administrative Services' Equipment Services Division applied for a Clean Fuel Advanced Technology (CFAT) Program match grant on October 31, 2014. In accordance with the City Grants Policy, the match grant application requires Council approval. The Financial and Administrative Services Department is submitting this request for Council approval after the application deadline due to conflicting scheduling priorities.
BACKGROUND:
The North Carolina Solar Center (NCSC) at North Carolina State University was awarded $6,228,000 in federal Congestion Mitigation Air Quality funds from the NC Department of Transportation for the Clean Fuel Advanced Technology (CFAT) 2013-2015 Program. The grant provides funding assistance for transportation related emission reduction projects in eligible North Carolina counties. The Financial and Administrative Services Department and Police Department have both applied for and been awarded this grant in the past on several occasions. The grant supports the city's goal to protect the environment and promote green initiatives as well as strengthen efficiency and optimize service delivery.
The City plans to replace three vehicles in its fleet. If the grant is approved and awarded the funding will help offset additional estimated costs that would be required to purchase Advanced Technology Vehicles (ATV) versus standard vehicles. Planned replacement vehicle purchases include two (2)-Ford Fusion Hybrid SE vehicles and one (1) Autocar E3 Hybrid Automated Side Loading Refuse Truck. The total estimated purchase cost for these Advanced Technology Vehicles is $447,300 compared to an estimated cost of $301,560 for these traditional vehicles. The estimated purchase price difference, or incremental cost is $145,740. This estimated incremental cost may be compensated by the grant funds at an 80% rate ($116,592). The City will be required to match 20% of the estimated incremental cost ($29,148) with non-federal funds that are directly related to the project. The total project cost ($145,740) does not include the baseline vehicle costs.
BUDGET IMPACT:
The vehicles will be purchased regardless of whether or not the City receives a grant award. Funds to cover the baseline vehicle costs and the local match funds required for this grant are available in the current budget. The grant may leverage four federal dollars for each City match dollar to enable us to purchase the higher fuel efficiency vehicle models.
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
Council approval of the attached resolution authorizing the 2014 CFAT Grant application is requested.