TITLE: Title
A Resolution Providing Authorization to Submit a Grant to the NC Volkswagen Mitigation Settlement Program
PURPOSE: The purpose of this item is request authorization from the Board to submit a grant to the NC Volkswagen Mitigation Settlement Program.
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DEPARTMENT: Planning Department
CONTACT INFORMATION: Laura Janway, Environmental Planner, ljanway@townofcarrboro.org, (919) 918-7326; Patricia McGuire, Planning Director, pmcguire@townofcarrboro.org, (919) 918-7327
INFORMATION: The North Carolina Division of Air Quality (NCDAQ) in the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) is soliciting proposal applications for participation in Phase 1 of the NC Volkswagen Mitigation Settlement Program, which was designed to achieve significant reductions in NOx emissions from mobile diesel sources. The grant is a reimbursement program which covers up to 100% of the replacement cost of a vehicle for government use. The grant is contingent on procurement and delivery of new vehicles no later than two years from the date of a signed executed contract with NCDEQ. Grant funding can only be used for purchases made after the date of the signed contract and will not apply to the Town’s recent vehicle purchases. Existing vehicles to be replaced must be rendered permanently inoperable. Grant awards will be announced in Fall 2019/Winter 2020.
In addition to NOx emissions reductions, projects will be evaluated on the following criteria:
• Cost-effectiveness
• Project location
• Environmental justice
• Additional emissions reductions beyond NOx emissions
• Sustainability
• Timeliness
• Useful life of vehicle to be replaced
Town staff have identified an opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutant emissions in Carrboro through this funding source by replacing one or more vehicles from the municipal fleet. Staff have been exploring replacements with newer, more efficient diesel models as well as compressed natural gas (CNG) models as part of a pilot project for a renewable biogas-to-vehicle fuel collaboration between Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA) and the Town. Vehicles considered for replacement include refuse trucks and other Class 4-8 diesel vehicles listed on the FY20-FY24 Vehicle Replacement Schedule.
The project supports Section 2.C of the municipal Energy and Climate Protection Plan (ECPP), which was developed as a step in supporting the Town in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The ECPP recommends replacing vehicles in a timely manner to reduce operational and life cycle costs, as well as exploring alternative fuels for vehicles. Vehicle fuel is responsible for approximately 45% of the Town’s total municipal sector emissions. Increased vehicle efficiency has the potential to provide positive fiscal impacts such as reduced operating costs and life cycle costs. This project also supports the recommendation in the Community Climate Action Plan to reduce vehicle emissions in Carrboro 50% by 2025.
FISCAL & STAFF IMPACT: This funding source may fund government projects up to 100% for vehicle replacement. The submitted proposal will request 100% reimbursement for one or more vehicles from the Town’s municipal fleet.
RECOMMENDATION:r Staff recommends the Board consider the attached resolution and authorize staff to further pursue a grant from the NC Volkswagen Mitigation Settlement Program.