This spring, the MSRC will release four new solicitations to fund a variety of clean transportation initiatives throughout Southern California. These Clean Transportation Funding opportunities are just the first cycle of the new 2014-16 Work Program. Provided that the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) approves the solicitations at their meeting on May 1, the MSRC will officially release the solicitations the same day. Be sure to subscribe to www.CleanTransportationFunding.org to get email updates of all new solicitations.
“At the work program workshops we held last summer, we heard from stakeholders that the need still exists for the MSRC’s tried-and-true funding programs, like the ones we are releasing this spring,” said MSRC Chair Greg Pettis. “Additionally, embarking on another two-year work program gives our project partners the flexibility they need to implement their best clean air projects, as well as giving the MSRC time develop new solicitations that address local needs.”
Local Government Match Program
A local agency favorite - the Local Government Match Program - will have $13 million in Clean Transportation Funding available to assist local governments in leveraging their AB 2766 Subvention funds to implement emission reductions projects. The program provides a dollar-for-dollar match with qualified matching funds for projects in a wide-range of categories including:
• new alternative fuel refueling stations;
• upgrading or expanding existing alternative fuel refueling stations;
• upgrading existing fleet maintenance facilities to accommodate gaseous-fuel vehicles;
• active transportation projects, including bicycle infrastructure and related programs;
• electric vehicle charging stations;
• the purchase of medium- and heavy-duty alternative fuel vehicles; and
• the purchase of commercial zero emission electric riding lawnmowers.
Additionally, agencies in the Coachella Valley can apply for funding for street sweeping operations.
Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Program
Another project partner favorite - the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Program - is back and offering $5 million in funding for new and expanded alternative fuel stations and to upgrade existing fleet maintenance facilities. Eligible alternative fuels include: compressed natural gas (CNG); liquefied natural gas (LNG); L/CNG; and renewable biogas (methane). Full access facilities (open 24 hours/7 days per week to any user, equipped with a universal credit card reader system; and can dispense at least 3 gasoline gallon equivalents per minute) are eligible to receive a higher amount of funding.
Major Event Center Transportation Program
The Major Event Center Transportation Program has $4.5 million in funding available for major venues and transit providers to partner to create transportation options for event attendees as an alternative to driving their personal automobile to the venue. Cutting down the number of car trips reduces traffic congestion and the associated air pollution emissions. Eligible projects must involve venues currently not served, or insufficiently served, by regular public transit services. Past projects have included the Dodger Stadium Express, the Angel Stadium Express, the OC Fair Express, special Metrolink service to the Auto Club 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, increased bus service to the Hollywood Bowl, and express bus service to the 2013 Solar Decathlon at the Orange County Great Park.
To make the application process even easier, these three programs require that proposals be submitted electronically through the MSRC’s website.
Transportation Control Measure County Transportation Commission Partnership Program
The fourth solicitation is an invitation to negotiate for the Transportation Control Measure County Transportation Commission (CTC) Partnership Program. Under this program, the MSRC seeks to partner with the four CTCs in the South Coast region to implement innovative transportation control measures that have the potential to reduce significant numbers of car trips or improve the flow of traffic to reduce congestion. Each CTC is eligible for $2.5 million in funding to be used to match other sources of funding. Examples of eligible projects include: traffic signal synchronization; ridesharing programs; carsharing/bikesharing projects; transit pass incentive programs; freeway service patrols; first-mile, last-mile strategies; transit center infrastructure; and information technology projects.
These solicitations will be available soon on the MSRC’s website at www.CleanTransporationFunding.org.