TO: Members of the City Council
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
|
Fire |
Adrian Sheppard, Fire Chief |
425-556-2201 |
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
|
Fire |
Micheal Despain |
Interim Deputy Fire Chief |
TITLE:
title
Acceptance of a Grant, in the Amount of $400,000, from the Washington State Department of Transportation, for the Purchase of an Electric Fire Engine
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
In December 2024, the City of Redmond was notified of an award for $400,000 from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). The grant requires no matching funds. Funds can be requested immediately upon accepting the grant agreement.
This request is for Council to accept the grant, and to direct staff to sign an agreement between the City of Redmond and WSDOT regarding the use of funds.
body
☐ Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
☐ Receive Information ☐ Provide Direction ☒ Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
• Relevant Plans/Policies:
City of Redmond - Environmental Sustainability Action Plan (ESAP) - September 2020
Redmond Fire Department - Strategic Plan 2022-2027
• Required:
Council approval is required for grant acceptance
• Council Request:
N/A
• Other Key Facts:
N/A
OUTCOMES:
Implementing the use of electric fire engine will help achieve the goals set by both cities in terms of lowering the use of fossil fuels, lowering the production of CO2 within our fleets, lowering routine maintenance cost, and reducing noise levels during routine/non-emergency operation of the vehicles in the community. However, the barrier to wider adoption of this technology is due to the high cost of the new technology (electric fire engines) and the additional cost associated with installing and upgrading the electrical infrastructure needed to support these new units. This state grant will help lower the cost of deploying these electric fire engines and allow Redmond to demonstrate the effectiveness of this new technology to fire agencies across the nation.
Redmond received partial funding through the Washington State Department of Ecology in 2023 but this funding covers just under 25% of the full cost of implementation. By accepting WSDOT grant, the project will become more competitive against the purchase of traditionally diesel-powered fire engines.
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
• Timeline (previous or planned):
N/A
• Outreach Methods and Results:
Various social media posts regarding the progress of the assembly of the electric fire engine. Formal unveiling of the unit was conducted on February 1, 2025.
• Feedback Summary:
N/A
BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Cost:
Total Cost of project including charging infrastructure - $2,348,619
WA Dept of Ecology 25% grant = $587,154
City of Redmond 75% matching funds portion prior to the WSDOT grant = $1,761,464
City of Redmond cost after WSDOT grant = $861,464*
*The Fire department has also secured additional donations from various corporations to help further reduce the City’s portion to approximately $264,491
Approved in current biennial budget: ☐ Yes ☒ No ☐ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
N/A
Budget Priority:
Safe and Resilient
Other budget impacts or additional costs: ☐ Yes ☒ No ☐ N/A
If yes, explain:
N/A
Funding source(s):
Grant
Budget/Funding Constraints:
Funding must be accepted prior to May 1, 2025
☐ Additional budget details attached
COUNCIL REVIEW:
Previous Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
3/18/2025 |
Committee of the Whole - Public Safety and Human Services |
Provide Direction |
Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
N/A |
None proposed at this time |
N/A |
Time Constraints:
Redmond has already completed all items necessary to request funds. Funds must be accepted prior to May 1, 2025.
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
Costs would be covered by the General Fund if not approved.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: Interagency Agreement Between Washington State Department of Transportation (GCC 1100) and The City of Redmond - Fire Department