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Resilience update: city says DOE grant was canceled; ferry RFP revised and leaf‑blower rebates launch
Summary
Deputy City Manager Jackie Veil told the committee that a DOE grant to develop a resilience‑based model code was among federal cancellations affecting roughly $7.25 billion and 223 grants; staff also reported progress on LED streetlight analysis, a revised hybrid electric‑diesel ferry RFP accepted by federal reviewers, and the launch of an electric leaf‑blower rebate and targeted enforcement program funded at $105,000.
Deputy City Manager Jackie Veil updated the Environmental Matters Committee on resilience and sustainability activities, reporting both setbacks and advances across multiple projects.
Veil said a resilience authority grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to develop a resilience‑based model code for smaller residential buildings was among a large group of federal grants recently canceled. "About $7,250,000,000 worth of grants, 223 grants, and all were canceled including this grant," Veil said. She added partners had been notified and that the resilience authority had not yet received formal notice; once notified, the authority would have 30 days to consider an appeal.
On several other fronts, Veil reported progress: a TENCO Lighting assessment showed potential long‑term savings if the city owned and maintained its streetlights (some lights are owned and maintained by BGE); staff will evaluate whether to pursue municipal purchase under a recent Maryland law that allows local jurisdictions to buy existing streetlights. The city’s greenhouse‑gas inventory is complete and staff have begun stakeholder work groups to inform a climate action plan aimed for a final draft by year‑end.
Veil said a pilot to install green roofs on five bus shelters is proceeding; central services is awaiting a proposal from the contractor who maintains the city’s existing green roofs to gauge cost and maintenance details.
The city has revised its RFP for a ferry pilot to specify hybrid electric‑diesel propulsion to comply with federal priorities and unpause federal grant support; Veil said the revised application was accepted by the relevant federal reviewer and a draft final RFP should be ready for advertising shortly.
Veil also described a new electric leaf‑blower rebate and enforcement program. The rebate program, administered by the Chesapeake Bay Trust and launched Oct. 1, offers up to $100 for residential purchases and up to $1,500 for commercial landscapers; the city budgeted $105,000 for the program. For enforcement, planning and zoning inspectors have been authorized to investigate complaints of illegal gas‑powered leaf blower use, and the city plans a part‑time temporary enforcement position to focus on targeted violations for approximately three months; that position would be able to testify in court if citations are appealed.
Committee members thanked staff for the task‑force work on harbor issues and urged that the task force report be drafted into a resolution for acceptance; Veil said minor edits remained and staff would circulate a final draft. Veil also told the committee that oral arguments in the city’s joint climate litigation were heard Oct. 6 before the Supreme Court of Maryland and that a decision is expected in 60–90 days.
Staff recommended monitoring federal grant appeals and advancing the items that remain funded or can be funded locally; committee members asked staff to circulate the resilience highlights to all council members and other key staff.
