Explanation
The Public Service Department, Fleet Management Division, is eligible to participate in a grant opportunity under the title "Columbus Clean Air Fleet Project." These grant funds are part of the Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality Program (CM/AQ), which is sponsored by the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC). The goal of the clean air project is to significantly reduce emissions from heavy-duty diesel vehicles.
If a grant is awarded, three interrelated projects will be undertaken by the Fleet Management Division to achieve emissions reduction. These projects include equipping approximately sixty (60) refuse collection trucks with anti-idling devises, replacing up to 15 existing diesel powered vehicles with Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered vehicles, and retrofitting refuse collection trucks and other diesel vehicles with particulate filters, oxidation catalysts, and/or closed crankcase filtration systems that reduce emission pollution. The project may also involve the development of CNG refueling facilities by the Fleet Management Division.
The origin of the proposed project is the Mayor's "Green Team", which created a subcommittee focused on reducing emissions from City-owned vehicles. Projects included in this grant application are a result of plans formulated by this committee, the Fleet Management Division, Refuse Collection Division, and the Green Team.
Fiscal Impact: This ordinance has no immediate financial impact. If awarded, a 20% city match is required for this grant in fiscal year 2008. The potential grant award is approximately $1.3 million. The Fleet Management Division funds needed for the city match would be included as part of the Division's 2008 operating and/or capital budget and are expected to be recouped through internal billing of other City agencies.
Emergency action is requested so the legislation can be included as part of the grant application package.
Title
To authorize the Pub...
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