Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution approves roadway geometry for the East-West Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project and allows authorization of a contract for BRT buses.
The proposed contract includes a base order of 27 electric BRT buses at a cost of up to $41.6 million. The contract includes options of either 14 additional diesel BRT buses ($14.0 million) or 19 additional electric BRT buses ($28.9 million). Execution of either option must be made no later than December 31, 2022.
The 2022 adopted capital budget for the Transportation department included $26.0 million in local funding for the BRT project. Additionally, $115.8 million of federal funding was appropriated in the 2022 capital budget for BRT and included $83.0 million for a federal Small Starts grant.
The approval of the Infrastructure and Jobs Act in November 2021 may increase federal funding available for electric buses and Transportation staff are planning for three outcomes related to the above contract:
1. Additional funding through the Infrastructure and Jobs Act combined with the execution of the Small Starts grant in 2022 may allow the City to execute the higher contract option for 19 additional electric buses. Any additional federal grants from the Infrastructure and Jobs Act would need to be appropriated through a budget amendment and approved by Council.
2. If no additional federal funding is received from the Infrastructure and Jobs Act and the City executes the Small Starts grant in 2022, staff would seek the option for 14 additional diesel BRT buses. The contract would be funded by existing appropriation from the 2022 capital budget.
3. If the Small Starts grant is not executed in 2022, staff would not choose either contract option and only request the base order of 27 electric buses. The base contact would be funded by a combination of authorized local funding and other federal grants that have been secured.
Title
Authorizing a noncompetitive contract with New Flyer indus...
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