Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
H2Ohio Chloride Reduction Grants are available on a competitive basis from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) for 2026. The purpose of these awards is to reduce chloride pollution caused by road salt during harsh winter weather. The City of Columbus is an eligible applicant.
This legislation will authorize the Director of Public Service to execute project agreements for approved projects with OEPA or others in connection with the award of the grant, the expenditure of grant funds, and the return of unused grant funds if any should remain at the end of the grant.
2. FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of this legislation will authorize the Director of Public Service to accept grant awards received from the OEPA. The grants are 100% reimbursable, up to $75,000.00. Additional funds are not required if project bids are under $75,000.00.
3. EMERGENCY DESIGNATION
Emergency action is requested to enable the Department of Public Service with the authorization to proceed with accepting OEPA funds within grant funding timelines.
Title
To authorize the Auditor's Office to accept and expend relative to the 2026 H2Ohio Chloride Reduction Grants with Ohio Environmental Protection Agency; to authorize the Director of the Department of Public Service to accept grant awards and execute grant and other requisite agreements with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and other entities providing for the acceptance and administration of said grant; to authorize the expenditure of any awarded funds and the refund of any unused funds; and to declare an emergency. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, Special Assistance Grants are awarded on a competitive basis by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency for reducing chloride pollution caused by road salt during harsh winter weather; and
WHEREAS, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency accepted applications for the current funding round through February 6, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the Director of Public Service is authorized accept the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Grant in accordance with the conditions of the grant award; and
WHEREAS, the Director of Public Service is authorized to execute a grant agreement with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and other entities providing for the acceptance and administration of said grant; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Service can utilize grant funds from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency to purchase a tanker, related hardware, and other equipment for the direct liquid application of brine to the roadway during winter snow and ice events; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Service in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director of Public Service to execute grant agreements, accept and expend grant funds, and issue refunds, if necessary, after final accounting for approved projects so that there is no delay in accepting funds from OEPA, and to maintain schedules, if awarded funds; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of the Department of Public Service be and is hereby authorized to accept a grant from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, 2026 H2Ohio Chloride Reduction Grants.
SECTION 2. That the Director of Public Service be and hereby is authorized to execute a grant agreement and any other documents necessary to effectuate said acceptance, or agreement on behalf of the Department of Public Service.
SECTION 3. That the Director of the Department of Public Service be authorized to accept grant funds from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Grant programs to fund the purchase of a tanker, related hardware, and other equipment for the direct liquid application of brine to the roadway during winter snow and ice events. Acceptance of awarded amounts up to $75,000.00 for the period of July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027 are authorized upon receipt of the executed grant agreement.
SECTION 4. That at the end of the grant period, any repayment of unencumbered balances required by the grantor is hereby authorized and any unused City match monies may be transferred back to the City fund from which those funds originated in accordance with all applicable grant agreements.
SECTION 5. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.