Review and Provide Direction on Possible Grant Opportunity: Electric Landscaping Equipment Pilot Program in Environmental Justice Areas

The purpose of this case is to review a potential grant opportunity through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).  The grant program is titled Electric Landscaping Equipment Pilot Program Grant in Environmental Justice Areas.  The purpose of the grant is to provide financial assistance to individuals to purchase electric or battery-powered lawn/snow equipment, with the intention of reducing air pollution (by replacing gas-powered equipment).  The grant program targets Environmental Justice areas.  Minnesota Statute 116.065 defines Environmental Justice areas as census tracts:

• In which at least 40% of the population is people of color; or
• In which at least 35% of households have income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level; or
• In which at least 40% of the population has limited proficiency in English; or 
• That are located within Indian Country, which is defined as federally recognized reservations and other Indigenous lands.

Census tracts only need to meet one of the above criteria to be considered an Environmental Justice area.
 

Local units of government are eligible to apply for this grant.  Eligible project costs can include the following:

• Outreach: up to 5% of the total grant
• Administrative costs: up to 10% of the total grant
• Financial assistance: up to 75% of the purchase cost of new or factory-reconditioned electric lawn/snow equipment purchased during the program period (from date of contract execution through May 31, 2027)
• Batteries for the newly purchased equipment

The financial assistance, in the form of a rebate, can cover up to 75% of the cost of an eligible device.  The recipient of the assistance would be responsible for at least 25% of the purchase price.

The MPCA has an Environmental Justice areas mapping tool on their website.  Attached to this case is a screenshot of the map of Ramsey.  Unfortunately, there are no identified Environmental Justice areas within city limits.  Staff has an inquiry into the MPCA seeking clarification of whether that outright disqualifies the city from applying or if it just impacts the city's evaluation score (again, the intent of the grant is to provide financial assistance to individuals within identified Environmental Justice areas).  If it is the latter, Staff will also try and get clarification of how significant of an impact it would have on the scoring, as that would also factor into whether the city should put forth the time and effort to apply. 

If the City of Ramsey is eligible to apply (pending response from MPCA since there are no Environmental Justice areas identified within city limits) and the lack of Environmental Justice areas won't significantly impact scoring of the application, Staff would recommend pursuing this grant.  If, after receiving a response from the MPCA, it is determined that the City of Ramsey is ineligible due to no Environmental Justice areas within the city, or that the lack of Environmental Justice areas will significantly reduce the maximum potential score for an application, Staff would recommend against pursuing this grant, due to the time that would need to be allocated to develop a program and compile the grant application and supporting information.

Based on discussion.