Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Central Maintenance Garage

TO:	Dave Corliss City Manager
FROM:	Steve Stewart Fleet Manager
CC:	Mark Bradford, Fire Chief; Charles Soules Director of Public Works
Date:	5/7/2009
RE:	Grant Opportunities: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

Please include the following item on the City Commission Agenda for consideration at the 05/12/2009 meeting:

Background Information:

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) purposes are to stimulate the economy and to create and retain jobs. Grant applications are currently being accepted in area of interest four – competitive grants for cost-shared projects that expand the use of alternative fueled vehicles and advanced technology vehicles.

Current Status:

The Department is proposing to submit a grant for partial funding for the purchase of a Ladder Platform vehicle and an engine.  The Fire Department five-year Capital Improvement Plan includes the replacement of the current 1986 Spartan Aerial Ladder. The plan also includes the replacement of Engine 6 (1988 model) in the 2010 budget year.   Under area of interest four of the ARRA grant application can be made for replacement of heavy duty alternative fueled vehicles with a cap of $200,000.00 per vehicle. These vehicles will be capable of using biodiesel. Application will be made through Kansas City Region Clean Cities (KCRCC) acting as the grant coordinator for Region Seven EPA.  

Funding:

The anticipated cost of an aerial platform ladder is $1,205,591.  The anticipated cost of the replacement for Engine 6 is $651,065.00.  The grant funding is applicable until December 31, 2010. The purchase of both of these pieces of equipment will be recommended using infrastructure sales tax funds and debt issuance; any grant funds obtained would reduce the amount of debt necessary.

Action Request:

We are requesting authorization to pursue this grant. Applications need to be received by KCRCC no later than May 15, 2009.