Title
A resolution endorsing the Mayor’s submission of a grant application to the Colorado Department of Local Affairs for development of a Colorado Springs Electric Vehicle Readiness Plan and execution of a grant agreement awarding funds for development of the plan.
Presenter:
Ryan Trujillo, Support Services Manager
Body
Summary:
The Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) intends to award grants to local governments to advance renewable energy goals for the state and support a transition to electric vehicles. The City is seeking grant funding from DOLA in the amount of $187,500 to support the adoption of electric vehicles in Colorado Springs through the development of an Electric Vehicle Readiness Plan for the community. The grant process used by the Department of Local Affairs requires endorsement by City Council of the Mayor’s application submission.
Background:
In July 2019, the Colorado Department of Local Affairs issued a Renewables and Clean Energy Challenge Grant opportunity to solicit proposals for planning and implementation projects that will help achieve renewable energy goals, energy efficiency, and energy conservation efforts in the state. The City proposes to advance renewable energy goals for Colorado through a grant from DOLA to develop a Colorado Springs Electric Vehicle (EV) Readiness Plan, which will support a transition to EVs for the community.
The project will involve significant partnership with Colorado Springs Utilities. Project activities include contracting the services of a subject matter expert consulting firm to research and develop a master plan, with input from the public. Plan goals include a roadmap for potential conversion of a portion of City and Colorado Springs Utilities fleet to electric vehicles; public education and EV adoption incentives; policy adoption, including rate structure, infrastructure ownership, and land use and building code recommendations; and identification of ideal EV charging station locations, including needed utility infrastructure upgrades. The Plan will align with statewide, regional, and organizational plans and goals. There is a nationwide trend showing increased adoption of EVs, and this Plan will prepare the City and Colorado Springs Utilities for the needs, challenges, and opportunities of potential EV adoption in our community. This Plan will provide recommendations to prepare us for this growing trend.
The City is seeking an award in the amount of $187,500 from DOLA. Colorado Springs Utilities has committed $25,000 in matching funds, and the Office of Innovation has allocated an additional $37,500 in matching grant funding.
The City seeks approval of a resolution that endorses the Mayor’s submission of the grant application and execution of a grant agreement, if awarded funding. If City Council does not endorse the Mayor’s submission of the application, the City will continue to make small strides to transition to EVs, however, the likelihood of wide scale EV adoption by the City and the public will remain low. With grant funding from the Department of Local Affairs, we will be able to make strategic and effective changes, preparing us for further EV adoption in our community.
Previous Council Action:
N/A
Financial Implications:
Revenue received from DOLA will be included in the TABOR calculation. This grant request to DOLA requires a 25% local match. The City is requesting the maximum award amount of $200,000 from DOLA and providing $37,500 in matching funds from a combination of in-kind contribution of City staff time, and funding from the Grants Fund, which is already appropriated. Colorado Springs Utilities is providing $25,000 in matching funds from within its current budget.
City Council Appointed Board/Commission/Committee Recommendation:
N/A
Stakeholder Process:
N/A
Alternatives:
(1) Approve the attached Resolution; (2) Not approve the attached Resolution.
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
Motion to approve the resolution endorsing the Mayor’s submission of a grant application to the Colorado Department of Local Affairs for development of a Colorado Springs Electric Vehicle Readiness Plan and execution of a grant agreement awarding funds for development of the plan.
Summary of Ordinance Language
N/A