MCOG allocates Carbon Reduction Program funds to MTA hydrogen feasibility and Fort Bragg EV infrastructure

The Mendocino Council of Governments on April 7 approved the Technical Advisory Committee's recommendations to program federal Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) funds for two local projects: a hydrogen feasibility study for the Mendocino Transit Authority and electric vehicle infrastructure at the City of Fort Bragg's CV Starr Center.

MCOG staff manager James Slickney said the CRP funds flow from the federal IIJA through Caltrans to MCOG and that the board previously adopted a project-selection strategy prioritizing rail and transit, active transportation and zero-emission infrastructure. Funding available for the first two federal cycles totals about $325,000 that must be obligated in the current federal fiscal window. Working with MTA and Fort Bragg, staff proposed roughly $250,000 for MTA's hydrogen feasibility work (including required match) and the remaining cycle funds, approximately $75,646, for Fort Bragg's EV infrastructure, with Fort Bragg providing the local match.

Caltrans reviewed and approved project confirmation forms for both projects before the board vote, enabling staff to program the projects into the Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) and work toward obligating MTA's funds before the federal deadline. The board voted unanimously to accept the TAC recommendations and authorize programming and obligation steps with Caltrans.

Ending: Staff will submit the projects to Caltrans for FTIP programming and work with MTA and the City of Fort Bragg to meet obligation deadlines; staff noted cycle 3 funding was not included in this action.