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RESOLUTION R-2021-43: A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORMAN, OKLAHOMA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OR HIS DESIGNEE TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY FOR THE ON-ROAD PROGRAM OF THE VOLKSWAGEN SETTLEMENT TRUST AND EXPRESSING ITS COMMITMENT TO SECURE FUNDING FOR THE LOCAL MATCH IF SUCH GRANT IS AWARDED AND PROJECT APPROVED.
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BACKGROUND: The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is programming approximately $3,500,000 from the Oklahoma Volkswagen Settlement Trust to implement a reimbursement program to replace or repower eligible on-road vehicles. The goal of this program is to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by replacing or repowering older vehicles with newer diesel or alternative fueled vehicles. This is a competitive funding opportunity available to government and non-government applicants seeking to improve their heavy truck, medium truck, or bus fleets. A cost-share is required for funding under this program.
DISCUSSION: The City's fixed-route bus fleet includes eight (8) vehicles out of thirteen (13) that have reached their useful life. Vehicle replacement is critical to operate and maintain a safe, reliable, and cost-effective transit system. As the City of Norman begins to replace the vehicles in its transit fleet, staff will continue to identify opportunities to offset the cost of replacement by combining federal and local funds.
The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality's On-Road Program of the Volkswagen Settlement Trust is a specific opportunity to replace those vehicles that have reached their useful life with low- or no- emission alternatives, such as battery electric. City staff has identified battery electric buses as a viable option for the City's transit services.
Staff have received a price estimate for a 35' battery electric bus. Base price, estimated options and delivery charges come to approximately $900,000 in total cost. The minimum, proposed cost ...
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