Title
Grant Application: Inflation Reduction Act Direct Funding for Air Monitoring
Action
ACTION:
1) Approve the submission of the County’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) federal grant application for up to an additional $1,184,000 to support replacement of various equipment throughout the County.
2) Upon award of grant, recognize, receive, and appropriate the amount awarded to multi-year General Grant Fund (G001).
3) If awarded, adopt a grant project ordinance for the Inflation Reduction Act Direct Funding for Air Monitoring in the General Grant Fund (G001).
Staff Contact: Leslie Rhodes, LUESA - Air Quality Division
Presentation: No
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:
Mecklenburg County Air Quality has responsibility for operating and maintaining the regulatory air monitoring network used for determining compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, which are federal health-based standards for protection of public health.
Through Section 60105 (C) of the Inflation Reduction Act, the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) can issue noncompetitive grant funding to replace, repair, operate, and maintain air monitoring networks. Mecklenburg County Air Quality has been notified that we will receive a non-competitive, direct award of up to $1,184,000. No matching funds are required for this grant.
The funding will be used for replacing ozone monitors, cameras for monitoring stations, ancillary equipment such as zero air systems and hydrogen generators as well as contract support for laboratory analyses. If awarded the full amount, there will be enough funding to add a temporary (up to 5 years) position and equipment needed to conduct a community monitoring pilot.
PROCUREMENT BACKGROUND:
N/A
POLICY IMPACT:
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
Increase of Federal revenue and associated expense up to $1,184,000 in the General Grants Fund (G001).