Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of a Grant from the Washington Department of Commerce for the installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations for Multifamily and City-Owned Properties
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a resolution authorizing acceptance of a grant from the Washington Department of Commerce for the installation of electric vehicle charging stations for multifamily and City-owned properties.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a resolution authorizing acceptance of a grant from the Washington Department of Commerce for the installation of electric vehicle charging stations for multifamily and City-owned properties.
Staff Contact:
Anastasia Everett, CDBG Program Manager, 360.753.8277, Office of Community Vitality
Pamela Braff, PhD, Director of Climate Programs, 360.753.8249, Office of Community Vitality
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
In partnership with the Center for Sustainable Energy, the Washington State Department of Commerce developed the Washington State Electric Vehicle Charging Program (WAEVCP). This program is funded by the Climate Commitment Act. The program includes a reimbursement-based grant to help increase access to electric vehicle (EV) charging through partially or fully funding EV charging infrastructure. The goal of this program is to enhance environmental justice through supporting clean transportation by reducing transportation emissions, promoting healthy air quality, and ensuring charging access is not a barrier to those with or interested in electric vehicles. This program’s first round offers $64 million in awards for organizations to install electric vehicle chargers in communities, with an emphasis on multifamily housing sites. Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis, and applicants must demonstrate an invoice has been paid before they submit for reimbursement.
This funding was awarded statewide based on an application scoring process which prioritized residential sites and affordability. These sites were then evaluated based on their location on an established Environmental Health Disparities Map, which is composed of data on environmental effects, environmental exposure, sensitive populations, and socioeconomic factors. Along with the map scores, the site would be evaluated on its labor components. Labor components that contributed to scoring included if the site is in an urban area, the number of workforce apprentices, usage of labor agreements, and commitment to using a Minority and Women’s Business Enterprise contractor.
In spring 2024, City Housing and Climate staff worked together to create an interest form for multifamily property owners. The interest form was posted on social media asking respondents eligibility questions based on requirements stated on the WAEVCP Implementation Manual. City staff identified which sites were eligible for the grant based on the Environmental Health Disparities Map. Once identified, the building owners for each site were contacted via phone call and email to discuss next steps and commitment to participating in the program.
Housing and Climate staff also worked with other City departments on identifying eligible fleet and workplace sites. The Fire Department has identified four workplace sites and two fleet depot sites and received funding totaling $146,250 for the six awarded sites.
In partnership with Olympia Community Solar, the City has been awarded funding for a total of 12 sites, totaling $386,250 in funds. The specifications for the sites are:
• 2 fleet depot sites - 12 L2 ports
• 6 multifamily sites - 32 L2 ports
• 4 workplace sites - 14 L2 ports
Selected multifamily sites have completed site host commitment letters with the City of Olympia and have executed Memorandum of Agreements (MOAs) committing to participating in the program. The City has contracted with Olympia Community Solar to provide technical assistance to multifamily property owners and the Fire Department related to bidding, grant requirements and installation of charging equipment.
Once contracted, City staff and Olympia Community Solar will finalize procurement, schedule installations and process grant reporting requirements. Installation of EV charging equipment is expected to begin in fall 2024 and continue to summer 2025.
Climate Analysis:
The City’s participation in this program will lead to an overall reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions Citywide. This program will increase access to EV charging, making EVs a more attractive alternative to a gas-powered car. Sustaining and promoting electric vehicles through the installation of EV chargers will provide a long-term reduction in greenhouse gas emissions pertaining to the transportation sector. The WAEVCP will support the greenhouse gas reduction strategy identified in the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan of increasing adoption of electric vehicles. Participation in this program also furthers the City’s goals of electrifying its fleet and workplace sites.
Equity Analysis:
Installing EV chargers at multifamily and workplace sites will give EV owners the benefit of easily accessible charging. Installing EV chargers free of charge will benefit the building owners who are interested in chargers but would not be able to make the investment in the installation. Statewide, installation providers may face staff capacity burdens due to the increased need for services due of the influx of installations funded by the WAEVCP. While residents may be burdened by the noise and space of the installation process, the community will benefit from the decreased GHG emissions and cleaner air quality. The City is also pursuing contracting with Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises to further equity goals. Low- and moderate-income households often do not have the economic opportunities to participate in upgrading equipment that is energy efficient or geared towards the reduction of GHGs. The fully subsidized installation of these EV chargers provides charging opportunities for 377 households living in designated affordable housing units within Olympia.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The installation of EV chargers at multifamily housing units supports the City’s climate goals, which is a top community concern. Most of the funded sites are located in West Olympia, with a few sites in Northeast Olympia. Of the multifamily sites selected for funding, 377 units are designated affordable housing units, with a total of 848 total units being served.
Financial Impact:
The City has been awarded a $386,250 reimbursement-based grant for electric vehicle charging equipment and installation. For multifamily sites, this reimbursement grant can cover up to 100% of the installation costs. For workplace and fleet depot sites, this grant can cover up to 75% of costs. The match for the Fire Department’s EV installations is $48,750. The City does not have a financial commitment to any of the multifamily sites. Costs occurred outside of the grant’s scope will be the responsibility of the property owners. The Commerce award for the Fire Department is $146,250 and the multifamily property awards total $240,000.
Options:
1. Move to approve the Resolution ratifying and confirming authorization and signature by the City Manager to accept a $386,250 grant from the Washington Department of Commerce for the installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations for Multifamily and City-Owned Properties.
2. Move to approve the Resolution ratifying and confirming authorization and signature by the City Manager to accept the WAEVCP Award with amendments.
3. Do not approve the Resolution ratifying and confirming authorization and signature by the City Manager to accept the WAEVCP Award.
Attachments:
Resolution
Agreement