TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute all necessary documents and any subsequent amendments with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), to accept grant funds in an aggregate of $37,500 to fund staff assistance with the Heavy-Duty Natural Gas Drayage Truck Replacement Outreach and Education Program; and increase appropriations in the Fleet Fund (IS 386) in the Department of Public Works (PW) by $37,500. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The City of Long Beach founded the Long Beach Clean Cities Coalition in 1994 under the Department of Long Beach Energy. The Public Works Fleet Service Bureau now manages the Long Beach Clean Cities Coalition. The SCAQMD has received grant funds from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and has requested local Clean Cities Coalitions to assist with the Heavy-Duty Natural Gas Drayage Truck Replacement Outreach and Education Program. Drayage trucks carry containers between the ports and various distribution points in Southern California. The Long Beach Clean Cities Coalition has been requested to provide assistance with this program. Fleet Services Bureau seeks authority to accept a grant to fund the requested City assistance. The grant will pay $37,500 to the City and will cover the cost of City assistance.
The Long Beach Clean Cities Coalition will be administering the following education and outreach programs in compliance with the agreement:
1) The City's Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Network will reach out to prospective trainees for training in the alternative fuels and hybrid vehicle technology;
2) Create a one-day Goods Movement industry-oriented event for LNG Truck buyers in the Port of Long Beach and Los Angeles area; and
3) Conduct outreach at the next Green Port Fest event at the Port of Long Beach.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Gary J. Anderson on March 16, 2011 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on March 24, 2011.
SUSTAINABILITY
The Long Beach Clean Cities Coalition is actively involved in reducing Long Beach's dependence on foreign oil and provides immediate environmental benefits as the City continues to implement alternative fuel options. Additionally, these programs provide public and private awareness, criteria pollutant air quality benefits and reduction in greenhouse gases.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
Action on this matter is requested on April 12, 2011 to receive the grant funds as soon as possible.
FISCAL IMPACT
The grant funds from SCAQMD are not currently budgeted; therefore, an appropriation increase of $37,500 is requested in the Fleet Services Fund (IS386) in the Department of Public Works. There is no impact to the General Fund or local jobs.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
MICHAEL P. CONWAY
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER