The MSRC’s Local Government Partnership Program (LGPP) is still open for a few more weeks and has funding available for your local agency to receive its pro-rata share of $21 million in funding to invest in clean transportation projects. The LGPP has funding reserved for all of the cities and counties in the South Coast region that participate in the AB 2766 Subvention Program. This program opportunity is designed so that agencies have five years to fully implement their projects, giving agencies ample time to complete their plans. Funded projects will help “jump start” implementation of the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s 2016 Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP).
For agencies that serve larger populations, eligible project categories include: light-duty zero emission vehicle purchase or leases; medium- and heavy-duty zero emission vehicle purchases; near-zero emission heavy-duty alternative fuel vehicle purchases and repowers; electric vehicle charging infrastructure installation; and alternative fuel infrastructure construction or expansion. In addition to these types of projects, agencies that serve smaller populations can use funding for: traffic signal coordination and synchronization; bicycle active transportation; and first mile/last mile strategies.
Here is a sampling of some agencies that have already taken advantage of this easy grant program from the MSRC:
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The City of Grand Terrace received funding to install and purchase publicly accessible electric vehicle charging stations. The project will involve the purchase and installation of the equipment with electrical, paving, striping and EV signage improvements to make it easier to use and access the charging stations.
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The City of Santa Ana will buy nine heavy-duty trucks with near-zero natural gas engines. Over the next two years, the city’s water and sewer department will acquire these vehicles to replace older, primarily diesel powered equipment, which has exceeded the anticipated life span. These nine vehicles range in size from a Ford-650 to a large Hydro Excavator and Sewer Jet/Vacuum truck. All of these vehicles will include a Cummins Westport L9N Near-Zero Natural Gas Engine fueled by CNG.
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The City of Riverside will install a CNG fuel island at its corporation yard for the police department and a canopy over the compressor. At its CNG fueling station located on Acorn Street, the city will add a fuel dispenser and canopy. Canopies protect the lifespan of equipment as well as shielding employees and visitors from the elements.
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The City of Hidden Hills was awarded funding for one on-road and one off-road light-duty zero-emission vehicle for use by city staff in partnership with its Community Association. Additionally, the funding will cover the installation of two publicly accessible Level 2 charging stations.
This is the perfect chance for local governments which have never applied for MSRC funding - or which have not applied in a while - to get on-board the Clean Transportation Funding express. The City of Hidden Hills, for example, has only applied for MSRC funding once, but determined that the LGGP presented an excellent opportunity for the City. “As the name of the ‘Jump Start Grant’ says, the availability of additional funding related to the 2766 funds truly ‘jump started’ the City into applying and programming the funds,” explained Kerry Kallman, City Manager for Hidden Hills. “In the past, the Hidden Hills’ grants have been small so most projects were not feasible and may have required General Fund dollars. The incentive of MSRC funds with this program was enough for the City Council to authorize staff to develop multiple projects.”
It had been a while since the City of Grand Terrace applied to the MSRC, but once staff learned about the LGPP opportunity, they were really excited and applied right away. “The grant will allow us to replace existing charging stations at City Hall and a commercial shopping center that are defunct and inoperable within the City,” said Sandra Molina, Grand Terrace Planning and Development Services Director. “We have been wanting to replace these chargers for some time now given the increased use of electric vehicles. The MSRC grant monies make this possible that much sooner. We feel the chargers will benefit our residents by providing a publicly accessible location, as well as the traveling public.”
The deadline to apply is August 2, so don’t miss the chance to get your agency’s set-aside share of Clean Transportation Funding!