To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Sonoma County Public Infrastructure - Transit Division
Staff Name and Phone Number: Johannes J. Hoevertsz, 707-565-2550
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Title:
Title
FY 2025-26 Low Carbon Transit Operations Program
End
Recommended Action:
Recommended action
A) Adopt a Resolution agreeing to comply with all conditions and requirements set forth in the Certification and Assurances document and applicable statutes, regulations and guidelines for the Low-Carbon Transit Operations Program and authorizing application for FY 2025-26 Low-Carbon Transit Operations Program funding in the amount of $648,888 to assist with the purchase of one 40-foot battery-electric bus.
B) Authorize the Director of Public Infrastructure to execute all required actions and documents, including any amendments thereto, with Caltrans as required for FY 2025-26 Low-Carbon Transit Operations Program funding.
C) Authorize the Chair to execute the Authorized Agent Form required under the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program.
end
Executive Summary:
Sonoma County Public Infrastructure (SPI) Transit Division is requesting Board authorization to obtain FY 2025-26 funding from the Low-Carbon Transit Operations Program administered by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to assist with the purchase one 40-foot battery-electric zero-emission bus, estimated to cost $1,509,435. The new zero-emission bus will replace an existing compressed-natural gas-powered bus, reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and support the County’s climate goals.
Discussion:
The Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) is a State Cap-and-Invest (formerly Cap-and-Trade) program established by the California Legislature in 2014. The program provides operating and capital funding for transit agencies to fund projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve mobility. Funding is allocated annually to transit operators through a State formula. Board approval of the requested actions is required before the State can authorize disbursement of LCTOP funding.
Sonoma County Transit expects to receive $648,888 in LCTOP funding for FY 2025-26. The funds will be used to assist with the purchase of a 40-foot zero-emission electric-powered bus in FY 2027/28 with the remaining cost (approximately $860,547) funded with Transportation Development Act (TDA) funds. The new electric bus will replace one compressed natural gas-fueled bus currently in Sonoma County Transit’s fleet.
Sonoma County Transit currently operates eighteen 30-foot, 35-foot and 40-foot electric buses purchased in part with previous LCTOP funding. These buses operate on local and intercity routes throughout the transit system. The 30-foot and 35-foot electric buses are used primarily on local routes. The proposed 40-foot electric bus will have an longer operating range, allowing it to serve Sonoma County Transit’s longer intercity routes.
Strategic Plan:
N/A
Racial Equity:
Was this item identified as an opportunity to apply the Racial Equity Toolkit?
No
Prior Board Actions:
6/3/25: Board approved resolution authorizing the execution of Certifications and Assurances and Authorized Agent Form and authorizing all actions required for the FY 2024-25 Low-Carbon Transit Operations Program. Resolution No. 25-0528.
7/9/24: Board approved resolution authorizing the execution of Certifications and Assurances and Authorized Agent Form and authorizing all actions required for the FY 2023-24 Low-Carbon Transit Operations Program. Resolution No. 24-0620.
7/11/23: Board approved resolution authorizing the execution of Certifications and Assurances and Authorized Agent Form and authorizing all actions required for the FY 2022-23 Low-Carbon Transit Operations Program. Resolution No. 23-0336.
Fiscal Summary
|
Expenditures |
FY26-27 Adopted |
FY27-28 Projected |
FY28-29 Projected |
|
Budgeted Expenses |
|
$1,509,435 |
|
|
Additional Appropriation Requested |
|
|
|
|
Total Expenditures |
|
$1,509,435 |
|
|
Funding Sources |
|
|
|
|
General Fund/WA GF |
|
|
|
|
State/Federal |
|
$648,888 |
|
|
Fees/Other |
|
$860,547 |
|
|
Use of Fund Balance |
|
|
|
|
General Fund Contingencies |
|
|
|
|
Total Sources |
|
$1,509,435 |
|
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
Revenue and expenditures for the vehicle purchase discussed in this board item will be included in the Recommended FY27-28 Transit Fixed Route Capital Budget (41401-34040102). The funding sources consist of $648,888 from LCTOP and $860,547 from Transportation Development Act funds.
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
None
Attachments:
Resolution
LCTOP Allocation Request
Authorized Agent Form
Certifications and Assurances Form
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None