TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Approve the Application to Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program and Authorize the City Manager or the Mayor, as Applicable Under the City Charter, to Execute all Funding Documents After Legal Review
Recommended Action
Approve the Application to Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program and authorize the City Manager or the Mayor, as applicable under the City Charter, to execute all documents after legal review.
Background Information
In January 2023, the Department of Energy announced formula allocations for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (EECBG). The grant program is part of the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). North Port is programmed to receive $127,390.
City has two options on how to use the funds:
1. Vouchers: Vouchers can be used for technical assistance; equipment purchase and installation rebates. Vouchers for technical assistance will be used to access support from experts, across a wide array of high-value opportunities in energy efficiency, renewable energy, transportation, and related areas. Vouchers for equipment purchase and installation rebates will be used to reimburse entities for the purchase of energy-related equipment used to meet the program goals. Equipment eligible for rebates will span a wide range of technologies that are deployed to lower fossil fuel use or increase energy efficiency. Opting for the voucher means the City will not have to administer the grant and grant conditions.
2. Traditional Grant: This is a traditional federal application and administration process. The City will also need to meet all conditions, monitor contractors/consultants, monitor certified labor payrolls (Davis-Bacon) and evaluate policies to ensure compliance with grant conditions.
After reviewing the limited amount of funding available and conditions of the grant, staff determined that selecting vouchers would provide the most effective option. The City has several projects that can be considered for funding, including energy efficient lighting, energy policies/strategies, charging stations, alternative fuel fleet vehicles and solar power.
The grant is a two-part application. The first part, attached to this agenda item, is the pre-application due in April. A second application is due early 2024.
In order to receive EECBG funds, the City must develop and submit an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy (EECS) to the U.S. Department of Energy for approval within a year after the second application. This can be done within the technical assistance voucher category.
When awarded, a contract will go to legal for form and correctness.
Strategic Plan
Good Governance
Environmental Resiliency & Sustainability
Financial Impact
$127,390 to be used towards technical assistance and energy rebates.
Procurement
Not applicable.
Attachments:
1. EECBG Program Pre-Award Information Sheet
Prepared by: Valerie Malingowski, Grant Division Manager
Department Director: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager