Title
a. Approve the submittal of AB2766 Motor Vehicle Emission Reduction Grant applications to the Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District; and
b. Authorize the Acting Director of Public Works, or his designee, to act as the agent for the County in processing all documentation to secure these funds.
Body
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve the submittal of AB2766 Motor Vehicle Emission Reduction Grant applications to the Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District; and
b. Authorize the Acting Director of Public Works, or his designee, to act as the agent for the County in processing all documentation to secure these funds.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Approval of this item will allow the Resource Management Agency (RMA) - Department of Public Works (PW) to apply for AB2766 Motor Vehicle Emission Reduction Grant (AB2766) funds. Applications are due on June 22, 2012. If awarded funding, the RMA - PW will return to the Board for approval of the Grant Acceptance Agreement.
California Assembly Bill 2766 (AB2766), signed into law in 1990, permits the Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District (MPUAPCD) to allocate a $4.00 per vehicle registration surcharge fee towards projects that reduce motor vehicle emissions such as zero emission vehicles, bike lanes, and trip reduction programs. Funds may also be used for related planning, monitoring, enforcement, and technical studies. On September 19, 2012, the MBUAPCD Board will award approximately $1,400,000. The funding will be distributed among public agencies in Monterey, San Benito and/or Santa Cruz Counties. The share to public agencies in Monterey County is $600,000. The maximum award is $200,000 per project. However, certain qualifying emission reduction projects that exhibit fixed costs that represent 75 percent or greater of the total project cost are eligible for awards up to $400,000. The funds must be expended two years from the signed Grant Acceptance Agreement.
Eligible projects must reduce motor vehicle emissions and include, but are not limited to, the following types of projects: Park-and-Ride lots for vanpool/carpools; diesel engine projects; new transit service; signal synchronization; livable community projects; bicycle facilities (Class I and II); vanpools; electric vehicles; electrification, alternative fuel and bio-fuels; vehicle trip reduction programs; alternative fuel vehicles and infrastructure; telecommute and communications; and bus service improvements.
The Department anticipates applying for AB2766 to establish and conduct two year's of bicycle and pedestrian counts along County bicycle faculties and to purchase two electric vehicles and a charging station, to be located at the Laurel Yard.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
FINANCING:
There is no impact to the General Fund. In the event that a roadway project is awarded funding, the RMA - PW Road Fund (Fund 002, Unit 8195) will cover the operations and maintenance of the project. The operations and maintenance of projects not eligible for Road Funds will be funded by the RMA - PW if feasible or the award will not be accepted. Prior to acceptance of an award, the RMA - PW will request approval of the Grant Acceptance Agreement by the Board. It is worthy to note that projects with a fund contribution will score higher during the evaluation process than those with no funding contribution.
Prepared by: Patricia A. Lopez, Management Analyst III, (831) 755-8998
Approved by:
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Paul H. Greenway, P.E., Acting Director of Public Works
Approved:
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Benny J. Young, RMA Director
Dated: June 1, 2012