Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) is accepting applications for grants under its Diesel Mitigation Trust Fund (DMTF) program to help fund the installation of publicly available Level 2 Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations. The purpose of this part of the DMTF program is to increase the availability and public awareness of charging stations.
This is a reimbursement grant where the city must provide funding to cover expenses as they are incurred. Projects selected for funding will then be reimbursed up to the amount authorized for that project after the submission of acceptable documentation to show that eligible expenses have already been paid by the awardee and the equipment has been properly installed and the charging station is in use. The Ohio EPA will provide funding for the lesser of:
• $7,500 per single port networked Level 2 charger or up to 100% of eligible project costs
• $15,000 per dual port networked Level 2 charger or up to 100% of eligible project costs
The Ohio EPA requires that a designated official be authorized to submit said applications and execute project agreements for approved projects.
This legislation will authorize the Director of Public Service to formally apply for funding from the Ohio EPA DMTF program and, if awarded, to accept the award on behalf of the Department of Public Service, to execute those documents necessary to accept the grant, to administer the grant funds, and to refund any unused funds to Ohio EPA after the grant period ends if final accounting determines a refund is owed. Separate legislation will be submitted to Council to expend awarded grant funds.
2. EXPECTED PROJECTS
Applications were submitted September 30, 2020 for two locations that will have Level 2 EV charging stations installed: Confluence Village Garage, Scioto Peninsula Garage.
The Confluence Village Garage project includes a combination of dual and single chargers on each floor for a total of 17 EV charge ports. The requested grant funding is approximately 75% of the total estimated project cost.
The Scioto Peninsula Garage project is requesting an additional 14 EV chargers to be installed on various floors of the garage. The requested grant funding is approximately 97% of the total estimated project cost.
3. FISCAL IMPACT
No financial participation is required at this time. Approval of this legislation will allow the Department of Public Service to apply for a grant award from the Ohio EPA. If the grant is awarded and accepted, the city will be responsible to cover the cost of expenses not covered by the grant for a total estimated cost of $44,539. City funds will be approved in the form of design contracts and/or construction contracts that will be or have been submitted for Council's approval.
4. EMERGENCY DESIGNATION
Emergency action is requested to allow the Department of Public Service to apply for Diesel Mitigation Trust Fund program from the Ohio EPA and to accept and expend those funds in accordance with the conditions of that award.
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Service to apply for a Diesel Mitigation Trust Fund Grant from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and to execute those documents necessary to accept the grant funds, if awarded; to repay any unused grant funds at the end of the grant period; and to declare an emergency ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, Diesel Mitigation Trust Fund Grants are awarded on a competitive basis by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of these awards is to is to increase the availability and public awareness of charging stations; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Service intends to apply for grant monies from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency to be reimbursed for costs associated with electric vehicle charging port installation; and
WHEREAS, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency requires that a designated official be authorized to execute a grant agreement with the Agency and administer those funds consequential to a grant award; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists within the Department of Public Service in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director of Public Service to apply for and, if awarded, accept grant monies from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency as soon as possible, 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 Public Service be and is hereby authorized to apply for a Diesel Mitigation Trust Fund Grant from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, to accept said grant if awarded, to execute any documents necessary to effectuate said application and agreement on behalf of the Department of Public Service, to administer awarded grant and to seek reimbursement from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency for grant expenses.
SECTION 2. 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 they originated in accordance with all applicable grant agreements.
SECTION 3. 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.