Resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit an application to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for a Local Climate Action Grant for replacement of an electric vehicle charger.

Adoption of the attached resolution.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is seeking proposals for planning and implementation projects that enable local jurisdictions to adapt to extreme weather events and a changing climate and/or to reduce the local jurisdiction’s contributions to the causes of climate change. The State of Minnesota has allocated a total of $1.3 Million between the two grant opportunities with funding split equally between the planning and implementation of grant programs. Funding per project is limited to a maximum of $50,000 with no minimum to participate. The grant does require a 50% funding match from the local jurisdiction.
 
The City of Mankato has identified an existing electric vehicle charger that is currently inoperable located in the Central Business District. With the high cost of adding a new charger to an existing location, replacing an out-of-service unit with already installed supporting infrastructure provides for a better return on investment. The total cost of the improvement is estimated at $60,000. An operating agreement will need to be drafted if the grant is awarded and the City chooses to move forward.
 
Staff recommends the Council authorize the City Manager to submit an application to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for a Local Climate Action Grant for the replacement of an electric vehicle charger.