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RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN APPLICATION TO THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION CLEAN TRANSPORTATION PILOT PROGRAM FOR THE 2021-2022 GRANT YEAR AND TO PROVIDE MATCHING FUNDS UP TO $21,800.
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CITY PROPOSAL
WHEREAS the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) announced a new Clean Transportation Pilot Funding Program to provide grants to pilot, test, and increase adoption of clean transportation technologies where cost is a barrier to implementation. The program’s goal is to demonstrate the potential of innovative clean transportation technologies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the transportation sector in Minnesota and help the state meet our statutory GHG reduction goals in the Next Generation Energy Act.
WHEREAS transportation is the third largest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions from the City of Duluth operations, and meeting the City’s climate goals will require reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from transportation.
WHEREAS the City of Duluth is a participant in the Climate Mayors Electric Vehicle (EV) Purchasing Collaborative to improve access to EVs for all Cities and to influence the vehicle marketplace. The Collaborative has provided resources for training, best practices, and support for municipality EV transition steps.
WHEREAS grant funding will significantly reduce the cost of piloting electric vehicles in three departments within the City.
WHEREAS the City’s Comprehensive Plan Transportation Policy #1: Improve street conditions to function better for everyone includes a goal S11. Plan for an increase in use of electric vehicles, and support implementation of necessary infrastructure to allow for a seamless transition from internal combustion engines.
WHEREAS the City’s Fleet Manager has analyzed viable EV replacements in the City Fleet and found appropriate pilot replacement locations and the City’s Energy Coordinator has identified charging infrastructure needed to support new electric vehicles.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that proper city officials are hereby authorized to apply for and accept the funding from the Minnesota Department of Transportation to test electric vehicle performance and usability in the City fleet.
FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Departments who will participate have identified matching funds from their budgets to provide the required 20% match for vehicle purchasing.
Statement of Purpose
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: This resolution authorizes the application for funding from the 2021-2022 initial year of the Minnesota Department of Transportation Clean Transportation Pilot Program. If awarded, the grant funds would pay for 80% of the cost of 5 electric vehicles and one electric mower, along with some charging infrastructure support. The total grant project is $196,000, with $21,800 provided in match from City vehicle purchases (Life Safety, Public Works, Property and Facilities Management) and $15,400 provided through staff time (Energy Coordinator, Fleet Manager, and Sustainability Officer together will provide 240 hours of matching support towards grant activities and administration.)