BOARD MEETING DATE: February 2, 2007
AGENDA NO. 5

Execute Contract to Cosponsor Demonstration of Electric Tram at Descanso Gardens

SYNOPSIS:

Descanso Gardens in La Canada Flintridge is proposing to replace their current propane tour tram with a zero emission tram as part of their long term vision to become a self-sustaining, alternative-fueled, educational facility.  This action is to award a contract to Descanso Gardens to demonstrate an electric tram for transporting guests through the park.  The total cost for this project is approximately $121,000, with AQMD cost share not to exceed $96,000 from the Clean Fuels Fund.

COMMITTEE:

Technology, January 26, 2007, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:

Authorize the Chairman to execute a contract with Descanso Gardens for the demonstration of an electric tram in an amount not to exceed $96,000 from the Clean Fuels Fund.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

Current battery technology is applicable to a number of specific applications beyond conventional passenger cars.  From an air quality perspective, it is particularly advantageous to identify and implement zero emission vehicles in conditions where low mileage and heavy stop-and-go duty cycles are prevalent, such as short-distance delivery vehicles, shuttle buses, and tourist trams.  Descanso Gardens in La Canada Flintridge, is currently using a propane internal combustion engine tourist tram, but the emissions and noise have been found to detract from the natural settings of the Gardens. 

Descanso Gardens covers 160 acres encompassing varied plant collections, native wildlife, a native chaparral area, a lake and bird observatory, as well as historic structures in Los Angeles County.  The Gardens have approximately 290,000 visitors per year, including extensive educational programs for local schools.  The long term vision of the Gardens is to become a self sustaining natural environment with regard to water and energy, and where possible, waste disposal and recycling.  Self sustaining alternative energy strategies include highlighting the use of solar energy to make the connection between the process of photosynthesis in plants and the production of electricity for human use.

Proposal

As a first step in implementing their vision, Descanso Gardens is proposing to replace their aging propane-fueled tram with a zero emission tram, which they plan to recharge with solar photovoltaic electricity in a future phase.  Their existing 45 passenger tram travels 10 miles per day, top speed 10 mph, and operates seven days per week.  The low-mileage, stop-and-go, predictable route fits well with the attributes of battery electric vehicles.

The proposed electric tram consists of a battery powered electric tug plus three trailers.  The tug has a Ballard Ecostar AC drive, Deka gel sealed lead acid batteries, and an onboard Hobart charger.  It plugs into a conventional outlet for charging overnight, just like the electric utility carts currently used by Descanso Gardens for groundskeepers.

Benefits to AQMD

Successful implementation of an electric tram at Descanso Gardens will demonstrate the viability of zero emission technologies in an innovative application.  Other benefits include educational opportunities and increased user acceptance of advanced technologies.  Case-by-case implementation of electric transportation in specific applications such as this one can increase the demand for electric drive vehicles and components. This proposed project was included in the March 2006 update of the Technology Advancement Plan in the category “Investigate and Demonstrate Small Urban Electric Vehicle Applications.”

Sole Source Justification

Section VIII.B.2. of the Procurement Policy and Procedure identifies four major provisions under which a sole source award may be justified.  This request for a sole source award is made under provision B.2. d.: Other circumstances exist which in the determination of the Executive Officer require such waiver in the best interest of the AQMD.  Specifically, these circumstances are B.2.d.(1): Project involving cost sharing by multiple sponsors.

Descanso Gardens is managed and financially supported by the Descanso Gardens Guild., a non-profit corporation, and the County of Los Angeles which owns the demonstration site. 

Resource Impacts

The total cost to demonstrate the electric tram is approximately $121,000.  The amount of AQMD funding shall not exceed $96,000 to participate in the program.  Cost-sharing will be provided from the following sources:
 

Sufficient funds are available from the Clean Fuels Fund, established as a special revenue fund resulting from the state-mandated Cleans Fuels Program.  The Clean Fuels Program, under Health and Safety Code Sections 40448.5 and 40512 and Vehicle Code Section 9250.11, establishes mechanisms to collect revenues from mobile sources to support projects to increase the utilization of clean fuels, including the development of the necessary advanced enabling technologies.  Funds collected from motor vehicles are restricted, by statute, to be used for projects and program activities related to mobile sources that support the objectives of the Clean Fuels Program.