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Eureka council declines $1.9M EV-charger grant, cites lack of matching funds
Summary
City staff recommended rejecting a Caltrans Congestion Relief grant for 14 EV charging stations because the city lacked the required 20% match. After debate about climate goals and fiscal constraints, council voted to follow staff recommendation and pursue alternative funding before reapplying.
City Manager Slattery told the Eureka City Council that staff had been notified this year of a successful Caltrans CFI grant award to install 14 electric-vehicle charging sites in the city valued at $1.9 million, but the grant requires a 20% local match of roughly $476,000 to be provided across the next two fiscal years.
Slattery explained that as the city finalized its FY24-25 budget it discovered a deficit that consumed the non-streets infrastructure funds initially intended to cover the local match. "We don't have the match set aside right now," Slattery said, and staff recommended rejecting the award now and pursuing alternative grants or allocations before reapplying.
Supporters of the grant urged the council to accept the funds and prioritize climate infrastructure. Matt Simmons, climate attorney at the Environmental Protection Information Center, said building chargers helps reduce transportation emissions and expand access for residents without home charging. "We need to build a robust system of chargers here in town," Simmons said.
Council members noted competing urgent maintenance needs and an $11 million reserve policy tied to the general fund. After discussion, Councilmember Moulton moved to follow staff recommendation to decline the grant and pursue other funding; the motion passed with three votes in favor and two opposed. Staff will pursue alternative grant matches and may reapply in future program rounds.
