Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution amends the 2024 Sustainability Improvements capital budget by $40,000 for a grant award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and authorizes the execution of the associated grant agreement. The resolution also authorizes a non-competitive contract funded by the grant with RENEW Wisconsin for the Clean School Bus Coalition project. There is no impact on the levy.
Title
Amending the 2024 Adopted Mayor’s Office Sustainability Improvements Project Capital Budget to accept a $40,000 grant award from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA); authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the associated grant agreement with U.S. EPA; and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk enter into a non-competitive contract with RENEW Wisconsin for the Clean School Bus Coalition project.
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Madison is committed to providing a healthy environment for all residents and advancing environmental justice; and,
WHEREAS, air pollution poses serious risks to community respiratory and cardiovascular health; and,
WHEREAS, research shows that low to moderate income residents, BIPOC communities, people with disabilities, children, and the elderly face greater exposure and vulnerability to air pollution in the United States; and,
WHEREAS, research also shows that BIPOC and low-income Wisconsinites are disproportionately burdened by respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses; and,
WHEREAS, diesel-fueled school buses emit particulate matter (PM), a toxic air pollutant that negatively impacts lung development in children and worsens heart and lung health for everyone; and,
WHEREAS, electric school buses have zero tailpipe emissions and therefore the exposure of children and others in our community to dangerous diesel exhaust; and,
WHEREAS, electric school buses also produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions than their diesel counterparts; and,
WHEREAS, electric school buses play a critical role in achieving our community’s climate goals and protect community health; and,
WHEREAS, the U.S. EPA’s 2022-2026 strategic plan supports the replacement of existing school buses with low- or zero-emission school buses funded under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which will be implemented in alignment with Justice40; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Madison and RENEW Wisconsin successfully applied for funding through the U.S. EPA’s Region 5 Air and Radiation Division Clean School Bus Grant Program; and,
WHEREAS, these funds will support education and outreach by RENEW Wisconsin to raise awareness among key stakeholders about the environmental and health benefits of transitioning to clean school buses.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Common Council hereby authorizes the Mayor and City Clerk to execute an agreement with U.S. EPA and formally accept the $40,000 award described above.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mayor’s Office Sustainability Improvements Project 2024 Adopted Capital Budget is amended to appropriate $40,000 for implementation of the Clean School Bus Coalition project.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Common Council authorizes the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into a non-competitive contract with RENEW Wisconsin for the amount of $40,000 effective October 1, 2024 to September 25, 2025 to provide services to implement the Clean School Bus Coalition project and funded by the U.S. EPA Region 5 Air and Radiation Division Clean School Bus Grant Program award.