TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute an agreement with Electrical Transportation Engineering Corporation (ETEC), in an estimated amount of $275,000, for installation of five airline ground service equipment electric charging stations on the Long Beach Airport airline aircraft parking ramp. (District 5)
DISCUSSION
The Long. Beach Airport (Airport) is committed to pursuing and implementing environmentally friendly technologies, practices and policies wherever possible. The Airport has the opportunity to make airline electric ground service equipment (GSE) a reality by installing electric charging infrastructure.
Enabling the conversion of airline GSE to clean energy is a primary component in meeting the intent of the January 2003 MOU between the region's airlines, the Air Resource Board and the Environmental Protection Agency. The City agreed to support the MOU by signing a "Statement of Principles" (see attached July 22, 2003 Council letter). Clean energy airline GSE is also a mitigation measure (MM3.2-12) in the City's Terminal Improvements Project EIR No. 37-03, and is consistent with the Long Beach Airport's Green Airport Program policy to "reduce emissions from airline ground support equipment."
Fast charging effectively reduces the normal charge time of battery-powered equipment by approximately 20-25% without damaging the equipment's battery. This reduction results in more energy efficient GSE, achieving the same operational effectiveness as internal combustion equipment in the same capacity. In addition, these new chargers also collect and retain data on the equipment and battery's performance. The data can be used by the Airport and the airlines to monitor the performance of the electric equipment as well as calculate emission reductions for SCAQMD reporting purposes.
Typically, electric GSE is owned and supplied by the airlines. City ownership of the charging infrastructure is essential, however, to preserve the ramps as common-use ramps. By design, the charging system is mobile. As air carrier ramp, FAA, TSA and security requirements change, chargers, which are bolted to the pavement, can be easily relocated.
The Airport can benefit from the ETEC chargers as they are easily adaptable to all GSE equipment, and are easily used where limited space is available. US Airways and JetBlue Airways have confirmed the compatibility of the ETEC chargers with their GSE. ETEC has five chargers available for immediate installation upon the execution of a contract.
The contract with ETEC is estimated to cost $275,000. Benefits to the City and the Airport include improved air quality in the community, substantial success in pursuit of the City's "green airport" goal, reduced noise in the terminal ramp area, support of alternative fuel use, energy conservation, increased fuel efficiency, and compliance with regulatory emissions reduction requirements.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Richard Anthony on January 29, 2007, and Performance Management and Budget Officer, David Wodynski on February 5, 2007.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council approval is requested at the February 20, 2007 meeting to expedite the use of electric ground service equipment at the Airport.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding for this contract in the amount of $275,000, is from AB2766 funds awarded to the City by the SCAQMD. AB 2766 funds are appropriated in the Department of Public Works (PW) in the Transportation Fund (SR 182).
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
CHRISTINE F. ANDERSEN
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
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APPROVED: |
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GERALD R. MILLER |
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CITY MANAGER |