TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Scott Agajanian, Economic Development Director
PREPARED BY: Martha Samaniego, Management Analyst
SUBJECT:
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Acceptance of U.S. Dept of Energy EECBG Program Voucher
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RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Authorize the City Manager to accept a program voucher from the U.S. Department of Energy for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program Equipment Rebate Voucher in the amount of $157,040 for EV charging stations at various city locations; and
Amend the Fiscal Year 2024/25 Operating and Capital Improvement Budgets associated with this grant award.
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PRIOR ACTION/VOTE
None.
CITY COUNCIL GOAL
Aggressively pursue economic development.
BACKGROUND
The City of Murrieta (City) applied for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) in August 2023 and was recently awarded the grant in April 2024. The award would be utilized for financing, purchasing, and installing energy efficiency, renewable energy, and zero-emission transportation (and associated infrastructure).
The grant fund timeline is for two years and the City may request an extension, if needed. The grant funds will go towards the installation of four electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at City Hall and at the Murrieta Innovation Center. The installation of EV charging infrastructure will support residents and visitors who already own electric vehicles and help encourage other residents and businesses to purchase and use zero-emission vehicles. EV infrastructure at public locations will help eliminate range anxiety for EV users in the corridor. The City is uniquely located at the I-15 & I-215 freeway intersection and has higher-than-average EV vehicles per capita.
FISCAL IMPACT
Amend the Fiscal Year 2024/25 Operating and Capital Improvement Budgets and appropriate $157,040 in grant funds. There is no match or cost share required for participation in the EECBG Grant Program. However, this grant is reimbursable in nature, requiring the City to expend funds prior to requesting reimbursement.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Installing additional infrastructure will help the City obtain its greenhouse gas reduction goals while the acceptance of grant funds alone does not have any environmental impacts, the installation of the EV infrastructure will be evaluated for any environmental impacts.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Application and Preapproval Email