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FY2021 Lo-No Emissions Bus program
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DESCRIPTION: Grant application for federal funds to purchase Lo-No Emission Buses |
AGENDA NO: Click or tap here to enter text. |
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ACTION REQUEST: ☒ Approval ☐ Review Comment ☐ Information Only ☐ Other |
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Authorize staff to seek federal funds in the amount not to exceed $7,500,000 to purchase five electric buses, associated charging infrastructure, and any required building modifications to support the battery infrastructure under the FY2021 Lo-No Emissions Bus Program ((5339 (c)). The total project cost is expected to be approximately $ 8,722,225.93, federal match $7,494,026.33 and the local match will be $ 1,209,944.37
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ISSUE/BACKGROUND:
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The deadline for this FTA grant is April 12, 2021. In 2020 the Lo-No Emission (Lo-No) Vehicle program made available $130 Million, capped the amount awarded to an individual applicant at $7 Million. In 2021 the program has grown to $180 Million, with no announce limit to individual applicants, however they may cap the amount awarded to a single recipient or State may receive as part of the selection process. Staff is finalizing the grant application cost estimate with the team of internal and external stakeholders.
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DISCUSSION:
The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority is requesting an amount not to exceed $7,500,000 to purchase five electric buses and associated charging infrastructure with an option to scale down to four buses as part of the Low-No ((5339((c)) competitive grant program. The local share for bus procurement will be 15% and for infrastructure improvements required will be 10%. The local share for the buses purchased using the Bus and Bus Facilities 5339 grant is 20%, $140,000. While staff is still finalizing cost estimate, it is anticipated that the per vehicle cost the agency will be responsible for will be $183,000 utilizing the Low-No grant, an increase of $42,500 per vehicle over diesel. The anticipated savings in operating and maintenance cost per year is expected to be $44,176 per vehicle, providing a payback in capital cost in a year.
The procurement of the five buses will allow flexibility on how the agency places these vehicles into service. In anticipation of the implementation of new links, the entire service on the 84 Galvez or 88 St. Claude route could become all electric. Alternatively, routes like the 91 Jackson-Esplanade and 55 Elysian Fields are candidates utilize these alternative fuel vehicles.
This is in an alignment with the agencies Strategic Master Plan (SMP) and has not only environmental and resiliency benefits, but the potential for health benefits to our riders. There is a large percentage of children in city with asthma, a reduction in emissions along transit routes could potentially yield some benefits in health outcomes. As the grant application is further developed staff will explore the feasibility of partnering with other agencies on this theory.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The anticipated savings in operating and maintenance cost per year is expected to be $44,176 per vehicle, providing a payback in capital cost in a year.
The RTA will be responsible for the local match if the grant is awarded. That amount is expected to be $1,209,944.37.
NEXT STEPS:
This grant application is due to LA DOTD on March 30, 2021.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
Prepared By: Lona Edwards Hankins - lhankins@rtaforward.org
Title: Deputy CEO Planning and Infrastructure
Reviewed By: Lona Edwards Hankins - lhankins@rtaforward.org
Title: Deputy CEO Planning and Infrastructure
Reviewed By: Gizelle Johnson-Banks
Title: Chief Financial officer
Click or tap to enter a date.
Alex Wiggins Date
Chief Executive Officer