TO: Mayor and Commissioners
FROM: Kent Edwards, Sustainability Officer
THROUGH: Terrence R. Moore, ICMA-CM
DATE: November 19, 2024
Title
APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 228-24 FOR APPROVAL OF THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE VOUCHER AGREEMENT WITH THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY FOR A TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE VOUCHER OF $128,640 VALUE TO BE USED IN ASSOCIATION WITH DEVELOPMENT OF GREEN WORKFORCE-RELATED EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS TO HELP PREPARE WORKERS FOR JOBS IN GREEN INDUSTRIES; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AMENDMENTS THERETO AND TAKE ANY AND ALL ACTIONS NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE THE INTENT OF THIS RESOLUTION; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Body
Recommended Action:
Recommendation
Motion to Approve Resolution No. 228-24 for approval of the Technical Assistance Voucher Special Terms and Conditions with the United States Department of Energy for development of green workforce-related educational programs with a value of $128,640.
Body
Background:
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (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, 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 Pre-Award form was submitted after approval by Commission at their April 18, 2023 meeting. The voucher application was approved by Commission on April 16, 2024, and was submitted to DOE on April 23, 2024. The current request is to sign the Terms and Conditions for receiving the Technical Assistance Voucher services.
Grant funds can be used for purposes associated with development of curricula for use in training people for employment in green jobs, and related 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 from 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, and outreach regarding existing programs. A virtual meeting was also organized with staff from the City, DOE EECBG program, and the School District of Palm Beach, to preliminarily discuss the project. No significant obstacles were identified, and many benefits of the program were raised.
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 related to green construction and energy.
City Attorney Review:
Approved as to form and legal sufficiency.
Funding Source/Financial Impact:
There is no match funding required.
Timing of Request:
Not time sensitive, project can begin after approval.