Memorandum
City of
City Manager’s Office
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TO: |
David L. Corliss,
City Manager |
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FROM: |
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CC: |
Diane Stoddard,
Assistant City Manager |
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DATE: |
July 9, 2009 |
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RE: |
Climate Showcase
Communities Grant Program Application |
In mid-June, the City of Lawrence received
notification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of
availability of funding and soliciting applications to compete for financial
assistance through the Climate Showcase Communities Grant Program. This program will assist local governments in
developing plans, conducting demonstrations, and implementing projects that
reduce greenhouse gas emissions while achieving additional environmental, economic,
public health, and/or community benefits.
The total estimated funding for this competitive grant opportunity is
approximately $10 million nationwide.
All local governments, tribal governments and tribal consortia are
eligible for the grants and may apply for funding up to $500,000. Local matches of 50% are required and may be
in-kind contributions, including use of volunteers, donated time or
equipment. EPA estimates that a total of
20 to 30 grants will be awarded. The
deadline for grant application is July 22, 2009. Notification of award of grants is not
anticipated until January, 2010.
Shortly after receipt of the request for
applications, city staff was contacted by Jeffrey Severin, Director of the KU
Center for Sustainability, regarding an opportunity for a partnership between
the City and the Center. Mr. Severin has
proposed an outreach initiative utilizing KU student volunteers to take an
education/outreach program door-to-door in neighborhoods, beginning in student
residential neighborhoods and expanding to the larger community as the program
matures. The program would focus on
energy conservation and efficiency and provide resources to help residents
reduce personal greenhouse gas emissions.
It is envisioned that utility companies may also be approached as
partners in the effort. The program,
which is still in development, would be modeled after an existing program that
has been in effect in Boulder, Colorado since 2006.
The Climate Protection Plan submitted earlier
this year by the Climate Protection Task Force (CPTF) outlined an 80% reduction
in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 as a climate mitigation goal for the City
of Lawrence. Recognizing that many
actions are necessary to achieve that goal, the CPTF developed seven
recommended strategies, including a recommendation to “establish outreach and
education programs on emission reduction issues.”
Given the short application time frame and
the fact that a partnership with the Center addresses the outreach strategy
recommended in the Climate Protection Plan, staff recommends that the City
apply for up to $100,000 in grant funding (with up to $50,000 in local match –
primarily in-kind contributions from KU, the City of Lawrence and utility
companies) for an education and outreach program. Expenditures would include training and
supplies for a program and may not reach the $100,000 level. However, because the program supports
multi-year proposals, at total of $100,000 in grant funds may be requested for
a project spanning up to three years. Specifics
of the program would be developed in conjunction with the Center and with input
from members of the Climate Protection Task Force and the Sustainability
Advisory Board.
Action
Requested:
Approve application for EPA Climate
Showcase Communities Grant in an amount not to exceed $100,000, if appropriate.