KY-2022-010

Application Executive Summary

This application will combine awards from two sources of funding. Included are FFY 2019 CMAQ funds awarded to TARC by the Commonwealth of Kentucky that have been flexed to the Section 5307 program, as well as an award from the Section 5339(c) FFY 2021 Low or No Emissions Vehicle Program LONO D2021-LWNO-021. The CMAQ funds have been transferred to Region IV for TARC's project. These funds are incorporated into Kentucky's FY 2019-2022 STIP (10/11/2018) with Administrative Modification 2018.006 (April 9, 2020), which added KIPDA's 2020-2025 TIP by reference. This project (KIPDA ID #2668) is listed on pages 212-213 of that TIP. Both documents are attached.

Purpose of Award
TARC's primary purpose for this project is the replacement of high emission buses. TARC believes that zero-emission buses are the key to reducing maintenance costs and becoming more sustainable. A secondary purpose is to compare the operating costs and characteristics of these extended range buses with TARC's existing fast-charge electric buses. A portion of the funds requested will provide the equivalent of one 50-60 kW depot charger for each bus.

Activities to be Performed
TARC will purchase eight (8) extended-range full electric buses and eight (8) depot chargers. The depot chargers will be located in TARC's Union Station bus storage building where charging will primarily occur overnight. TARC has partnered with CALSTART, a national non-profit and leader in clean transportation, for their project management assistance and a detailed fleet electrification plan. CALSTART will assist TARC with project management tasks associated with both vehicle (bus) and charging infrastructure specifications and with data collection. The collected data will identify key variables to accurately compare costs and benefits of TARC's diesel fleet with its new extended-range battery electric buses.

Expected Outcomes
TARC estimates that replacement of the model year 2005 buses with zero-emission battery electric buses will result in a reduction of up to 12,000 pounds per year of NOx, as much as three tons of CO2 per year, and hundreds of pounds of particulate matter (PM 10 and PM 2.5 per year). TARC expects service to improve through increased reliability while reducing the energy consumption and operating expenses of TARC's fleet.

Intended Beneficiaries
TARC wants to electrify one of three routes: 27, 21, or 29. The area served by Route 27, for example, has been identified as an 85% environmental justice area. The population within a mile of Route 27 is 63.6% non-white and 28.9% low-income. Reduced emissions will improve the air quality, and the reliable transportation will connect people with jobs, education, and healthcare.

TARC's FFY 2019 CMAQ flexed funds total $1,955,200 ($1,564,160 federal and $391,040 local match). The CMAQ award will fund the following activities:
1. Purchase of two (2) extended-range full-electric 40-ft buses - $1,845,200 ($1,476,160 federal funds and $369,040 local match)
2. Purchase of two (2) depot chargers - $110,000 ($88,000 federal funds and $22,000 local match)

TARC's FFY 2021 Section 5339(c) LONO funds total $4,026,658 ($3,422,659 federal funds and $603,999 local match). The Section 5339(c) LONO award will fund the following activities:
3. Purchase of six (6) extended-range full-electric 40-ft buses - $3,231,158 ($2,746,484 federal funds and $484,674 local match). The remaining $1,980,000 will be provided by TARC Section 5339 Formula Bus and Bus Facilities Program Award 1105-2022-4.
4. Purchase of six (6) depot chargers - $600,000 ($510,000 federal funds and $90,000 local match)
5. Project management 3rd party - $195,500 ($166,175 federal funds and $29,325 local match)

TARC will replace eight (8) 40-ft diesel or hybrid buses that have been in service since 2009. TARC will own, operate, and maintain these replacement buses. The new heavy-duty extended-range buses will have a minimum expected useful life of 12 years or 500,000 miles in service. The new electric depot chargers are estimated to have the same minimum expected life of 12 years.

TARC will follow all 3rd party procurement policies as defined in C4220.1F (Third Party Contracting Guidance). TARC will ensure that an independent cost estimate will be prepared and available on file, along with the corresponding cost/price analysis for the scope of the project. TARC will ensure contractors procured will not be on the FTA Suspension and Debarment List. TARC will ensure that the manufacturers of all new buses are FTA certified TVM suppliers. The new buses will meet all requisite regulatory requirements, including those associated with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, Clean Air Act (CAA), the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Buy America Act. TARC will maintain or improve accessibility whenever possible, in keeping with the ADA standards for transportation facilities based on the U.S. Access Board's ADA Accessibility Guidelines.

This application does not include funds for research and/or development activities. Indirect costs will not be applied to this application and its scope of work. These grant activities are categorically excluded under NEPA. TARC is the designated recipient for the Louisville Metro area.

Transit Authority Of River City

20.507 - Federal Transit Formula Grants

FTA Region 4 [DOT - FTA]

FTA Office of Budget and Policy [DOT - FTA]

Kentucky United States

State-Wide

None

Amendment Since initial award the total obligations have increased 206% from $1,955,200 to $5,981,858.