Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution expresses support for Metro Transit's Section 5339b and 5339c Low or Now Emission discretionary grant applications to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The grant supports hybrid-electric 40’ buses, equipment, and charging infrastructure for the electrification of select routes. A separate resolution accepting the grant award will be submitted later should the City be awarded the grant funding from the FTA. Funding, including the local match, is included in Metro’s 2026 requested capital budget.
Title
Supporting Madison Metro's Section 5339b and 5339c Low or Now Emission Grant Applications to Federal Transit Administration for hybrid-electric 40’ buses, equipment and charging infrastructure for the electrification of select routes.
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Madison seeks to expand Transit to meet the growing transportation needs of the Madison region, and;
WHEREAS, Metro has buses in its fleet that are passed their useful life and need to be replaced in order to reduce operating costs and their replacements will be low emission buses to continue the City’s sustainable project, and;
WHEREAS, Climate Forward Madison initiative & 100% RENEWABLE Madison commits to 100% renewable energy for municipal operations by 2030, and;
WHEREAS, the Madison Area Transportation Planning Board’s “2050 Regional Transportation Plan states that a new “Aging infrastructure needs to be maintained and updated which will be required to accommodate future high-capacity transit, new all-day service, and regional routes.” Goal 5 of the plan is: "Reduce the Environmental Impact of the Transportation System; Ensure that the transportation system is designed, built, operated, and maintained in a way that protects and preserves the natural environment and historic and cultural resources, and is supportive of energy conservation", and:
WHEREAS, the Federal Transit Administration has competitive funding programs, Section 5339b for Buses and Bus Facilities and Section 5339c Low or No Emission, of which hybrid-electric 40’ buses, equipment and charging infrastructure would qualify for a federal grant under both of these program, and;
WHEREAS, the Section 5339 program requires a commitment for a local funding match with the application, and that such commitment would make Metro’s application for such grants more competitive, and;
WHEREAS, the Madison Common Council has taken similar action (RES-19-00471, RES-20-00282, RES-21-00771, RES-23-00222 and RES-24-00271) to amend and adjust the city budget to demonstrate the City’s commitment to providing local match for a federal grant to fund transit supportive investments, and;
WHEREAS, the City of Madison’s 2025 Six Year Capital Improvement Plan includes City funding for Electric Transit Buses and Charging Equipment and Transit System Speed and Reliability Projects, of which this grant submittal supports and helps implement.
WHEREAS, a separate resolution will be introduced to accept the Section 5339 discretionary grant funding if Metro Transit is awarded it.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that if the Federal Transit Administration awarded the City of Madison a grant of up to $20 million for hybrid-electric buses, charging infrastructure and related equipment, the City of Madison would provide the match funds required, up to $5M as already planned in the 2026 CIP.