MN-2022-007

This grant will provide $625,472 of FFY2022 Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBGP) funds to purchase three (3) small (less than 30 ft.) battery electric buses, charging stations, and indoor facility electrical upgrades for Morris Transit and Arrowhead Transit in rural Minnesota. Local matching funds will be provided by the State of Minnesota and transit system reserve funds.

In executing this grant, the MNDOT agrees to abide by Section 3011 of the FAST Act (49 U.S.C. 5323(J)(2)(C)) regarding the phased increase in domestic content under the Buy America statute for rolling stock. As the grant agreement includes an FTA-funded transit vehicle purchase, the recipient agrees to comply with the related requirements set forth in 49 CFR 26.49(A). Specifically, the recipient must ensure, as a condition of being authorized to bid or propose on FTA-assisted transit vehicle procurements, that each transit vehicle manufacturer certified that it complied with DOT requirements for submitting a DBE program and goal to FTA prior to bidding. The recipient is also required to submit the name of the successful bidder and the total dollar value of the contract within 30 days of making an FTA-assisted transit vehicle award using the required FTA reporting tool. The recipient understands that failure to comply with these requirements may result in formal enforcement action or appropriate sanction as determined by FTA, including reimbursement of FTA funds used for the vehicle procurement.

Purpose:
The STBGP funds were awarded for project applications submitted to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) Office of Sustainability's Clean Transportation Program, which provides grants to pilot test and increase adoption of clean transportation technologies, especially where cost is a barrier to implementation. The overall program goal is to demonstrate the potential of innovative clean transportation technologies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the transportation sector in Minnesota and help the state meet our statutory GHG reduction goals in the Next Generation Energy Act.

Activities to be performed:
Purchase of three less than 30 ft. battery electric buses and three charging stations. Installation of additional electrical infrastructure inside of existing transit facilities to retrofit the facilities' current electrical design to be compatible with the charging station needs.

Expected outcomes:
Successful projects will incorporate resilient design features, be responsive to economic disruptions, expand access to clean transportation technologies, especially in smaller and/or rural communities, and bring equity in user benefits, especially for communities of color and low-income residents.

Intended beneficiaries:
Transit riders and citizens in the communities of northeastern Minnesota and the city of Morris, Minnesota, will begin to recognize the benefits of clean transportation. The state of Minnesota will benefit from a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Subrecipient activities:
The subrecipients of funds for this grant will work with MNDOT and consultants to purchase small electric buses and install charging stations in existing facilities.

Minnesota Department Of Transportation

20.509 - Formula Grants for Rural Areas and Tribal Transit Program

FTA Region 5 [DOT - FTA]

FTA Office of Budget and Policy [DOT - FTA]

Minnesota United States

State-Wide

None