TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Michael A. Hursh, General Manager
SUBJECT: Application for FY 2019 FTA Low-No Funds
ACTION ITEM
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Title
Consider authorizing the General Manager or his designee to file and execute grant applications and funding agreements with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 Low or No Emission Vehicle Program for the purchase of five battery electric buses.
Body
BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT:
The District is applying for up to $1 million to purchase five battery electric buses with approximately 250 mile range of operations, along with purchase and installation of charging units for these buses. The buses will be depot-charged as opposed to en-route, with charging occurring nightly at one of the District's maintenance divisions. The total project cost is estimated to be $5.75 million.
If the project is awarded, the District will have to provide $4.75 million in District or other local, regional or state funds for the Low-No funding match requirement and to complete the project. Staff anticipates this match will be provided through a combination of state and regional programs such as the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program, the Transit Capital Priorities Program and Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP).
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
The FTA issued a Solicitation of Project Proposals for $85 million of FY 2019 Low or No Emission Program (Low-No) funds on March 18, 2019. 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 Low-No Program provides funding to State and local governmental authorities for the purchase or lease of zero-emission and low-emission transit buses, including acquisition, construction, and leasing of required supporting facilities.
The District partnered with Gillig to apply for last year's Low-No grant and plans ...
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