Explanation
Background: The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG) Program, was funded for the first time by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, and represents a Presidential priority to deploy the cheapest, cleanest, and most reliable energy technologies we have - energy efficiency and conservation - across the country.
The Program, authorized in Title V, Subtitle E of the Energy Independence and Security Act (Ais modeled after the Community Development Block Grant program administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It is intended to assist U.S. cities, counties, states, territories, and Indian tribes to develop, promote, implement, and manage energy efficiency and conservation projects and programs designed to:
· Reduce fossil fuel emissions;
· Reduce the total energy use of the eligible entities;
· Improve energy efficiency in the transportation, building, and other appropriate sectors; and
· Create and retain jobs.
Through formula and competitive grants, the Program empowers local communities to make strategic investments to meet the nation's long-term goals for energy independence and leadership on climate change.
Funding for the EECBG Program under the AARA totals $3.2 billion. Of this amount, approximately $2.7 billion will be awarded through formula grants. The City of Columbus has been awarded a grant of $7,403,500. The formula for determining allocations to cities and counties is based on two weighted factors - resident population, and daytime (commuter) population.
Programs and projects are to be funded as outlined in the attachment. All applicable federal contracting provisions will be followed.
Fiscal Impact: If awarded, the grant does not require any local match.
Emergency action is requested so that the June 25, 2009 federal grants application deadline can be met. Furthermore monies must be allocated within eighteen months of the United State Department of Energy formal acceptance and must be fully spent within thirty-six months of award notice, otherwise funding must be returned.
Title
To authorize the Director of Finance and Management to apply for and to accept American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding of up to $7,403,500 in formula allocation to the City of Columbus under the U.S. Department for the Energy's Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant; and to declare an emergency. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus has been allocated funding from the American Recovery and Revitalization Act of 2009 (ARRA), and has been authorized to receive a formula allocation of up to $7,403,500 in formula allocation to the City of Columbus under the U.S. Department for the Energy's Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary for this City Council to waive the local vendor credit provisions of the Columbus City Codes for the above referenced projects that will be the recipient of ARRA Funds; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Finance and Management in that it is immediately necessary for this City Council to authorize the Director of Finance and Management to accept the aforementioned ARRA funds; and to execute those Agreements as is necessary to fulfill the scheduling commitments associated with said funds; thereby preserving the public health, peace, property, safety and welfare; now, therefore
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
Section 1. That the Director of Finance and Management be and hereby is authorized on behalf of the City to apply for and accept federal funding in connection with the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009, for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding of up to $7,403,500 in formula allocation to the City of Columbus under the U.S. Department for the Energy's Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant.
Section 2. 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 day after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.