BOARD MEETING DATE: July 13, 2007
AGENDA NO. 12
PROPOSAL:
Award Funding from MSRC for CNG School Buses to Private School Bus Transportation Provider
SYNOPSIS:
On September 8, 2006, the Board approved an MSRC allocation of $2 million for CNG school bus incentives to private school bus transportation service providers. On January 18, 2007, the MSRC approved an additional $2 million, which was approved by the Board on February 2, 2007. The AQMD administers this program to facilitate the implementation of District Rule 1195. Awards from this allocation are made on a first-come, first-served basis and individual awards are brought before the Board for approval. To date, two awards have been made to private school bus transportation providers. This action is to approve an award to Certified Transportation Services, a private school bus transportation service provider, in an amount not to exceed $60,000 to purchase one CNG school bus.
COMMITTEE:
Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review, June 21, 2007, Recommended for Approval
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Authorize the Chairman to execute an agreement with Certified Transportation Services in an amount not to exceed $60,000 from MSRC Fund 23 for the cost differential to purchase one CNG school bus to be used in the South Coast Basin.
Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer
Background
At its August 17, 2006 meeting, the MSRC approved funding under the FY 2006-07 Work Program for CNG school bus incentives to private school bus transportation service providers. Specifically, the MSRC approved an allocation of $2 million for CNG school bus incentives for private school bus transportation service providers. Subsequently, the Board approved this action at its September 8, 2006 meeting. In addition, the MSRC requested that the program be administered by AQMD staff. On January 18, 2007, the MSRC approved an additional allocation of $2 million for this work program category which was approved by the Board on February 2, 2007.
At its January 5, 2007 meeting, the Board approved funding in the amount of $1,137,580 for a private school bus transportation provider to purchase 23 CNG school buses. On June 1, 2007, this award was amended as the private school bus transportation provider only needed ten CNG school buses to satisfy its contractual obligations. The amount of the award was reduced to $600,000 and the remaining balance of $537, 580 was reverted to the MSRC Discretionary Fund for future allocation. On March 2, 2007, the Board approved a second funding in the amount of $1,875,049 to purchase up to 42 CNG school buses to a private school bus transportation provider. As of June 1, 2007, a remaining balance of $987,371 was available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Proposal
This action is to approve an award to Certified Transportation Services in an amount not to exceed $60,000 from the MSRC for CNG school bus incentives under the MSRC FY 2006-07 Work Program for the cost differential to purchase one CNG school bus to be used in the South Coast Basin.
Benefits to AQMD
This project will reduce exhaust emissions from higher emitting diesel school buses and exposure of school children to toxic diesel particulate matter and others that work in or near diesel-powered school buses. In addition, this project will further facilitate the implementation of Rule 1195.
Resource Impacts
The total amount of MSRC funding for Certified Transportation Services shall not exceed $60,000. Subsequent to Board approval of funding award, a remaining balance of $927,371 would be available to other private school bus transportation service providers on a first-come, first-served basis.