TO: Mayor and Commissioners
FROM: Kent Edwards, Sustainability Officer
THROUGH: Terrence R. Moore, ICMA-CM
DATE: April 16, 2024
Title
APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 83-24 AND SUBMITTAL OF A TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE VOUCHER APPLICATION TO THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY FOR FUNDING UNDER THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM ($128,640)
Body
Recommended Action:
Recommendation
Motion to Approve Resolution No. 83-24 to submit an application to the U.S. Department of Energy for funding under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program, in the amount of $128,640.
Body
Background:
The EECBG Program is designed to assist states, local governments, and Tribes in implementing strategies to reduce energy use, to reduce fossil fuel emissions, and to improve energy efficiency.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Section 40552 provides $550 million for the EECBG Program for fiscal year 2022, to remain available until expended. The Department of Energy (DOE) will distribute $440 million in formula and competitive EECBG Program funding to eligible units of local government, states, and Indian tribes.
Under this grant program, a formula was used to calculate funding allocations to certain local governments. Delray Beach has been assigned a funding allocation of $128,640. For funding allocations of less than $250,000, the DOE recommends use of a "Voucher" process, which streamlines the administrative steps. For the Technical Assistance Voucher proposed for this application, funds would not be transferred to the City, but rather DOE will select a vendor to provide services, and pay the vendor directly. Vouchers to Local Governments will be for a 2-year Project and Budget Period. Matching funds are not required for this award.
Though the funding allocation has been set, steps must be followed to use this funding. The first step in the process was the submittal of the Pre-Award form, which was submitted after approval by Commission at their April 18, 2023 meeting. The grant application due date is April 30, 2024.
Grant funds can be used for purposes including development of curricula for use in training people for employment in green jobs, development of an Energy Plan, and other topics. Development of curricula is a "Blueprint" topic defined in the EECBG program, which when followed by applicants simplifies the review and helps ensure compliance with grant objectives. City staff met with Adult Education Program staff with the School District of Palm Beach. It was found that job training programs related to heating ventilation and air conditioning, electrical systems, and solar energy offer opportunities for enhancement and development of curricula. A virtual meeting was also organized with staff from the City, DOE EECBG program, and the School District of Palm Beach in attendance, to preliminarily discuss the curricula development project. No significant obstacles were identified, and the benefits of the program were discussed.
Commercial and residential buildings account for more than 40% of greenhouse gas emissions in Delray Beach. Having a workforce that is trained to work in green construction and energy efficiency can aid in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions associated with the built environment. In addition this training can provide economic benefits by preparing workers to enter the growing job markets of green construction and energy.
City Attorney Review:
Approved as to form and legal sufficiency.
Funding Source/Financial Impact:
N/A, the grant has no match requirement.
Timing of Request:
The grant application deadline is April 30, 2024.