Board approves $1.728M urban greening and $2.0M hydrogen-charger demonstration among transportation incentive awards

The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District on Jan. 22 approved a set of transportation incentive investments that include a $1.728 million award for an urban greening project at La Familia Counseling Center and up to $2.0 million for a Hi Watts hydrogen‑to‑power EV‑charging demonstration.

Mike Nieuwenberg, program supervisor in the district’s transportation and climate change division, described the district’s long-running incentive programs and recent investments, saying the program has supported a wide range of projects — from agricultural equipment and locomotives to school buses and chargers — and that the district has leveraged roughly $370 million regionwide and converted more than 8,000 pieces of equipment through incentive funding. “Today there’s billions of dollars being invested statewide on incentive programs,” Nieuwenberg said, describing the district’s work.

Staff framed the La Familia project as a South Sacramento urban greening and community‑space investment near Franklin Boulevard and 37th Avenue that will include trees, shrubs, irrigation and a community garden and that would be executed with partners including Sacramento Tree Foundation and community organizations. The Hi Watts project is a demonstration that pairs solar, hydrogen production, fuel cell and battery systems to charge vehicles near Sacramento State and is presented as a resiliency and innovation demonstration.

The staff request asked the board to authorize the Air Pollution Control Officer to execute contracts with La Familia Counseling Center up to $1,728,000 and with the Hi Watts project up to $2,000,000. The board took public comment before final action.

Two speakers told the board the incentive model works. Mike McWhorter, vice president of a homeowners association at a 143‑unit building on N Street, described how AQMD and SMUD technical assistance and incentives supported an installation of 47 chargers in a building that originally lacked practical charging options, enabling 30 percent of parking spaces to gain charging capability without a special assessment. “We now have 47 electric vehicle chargers in our garage of a 143 spaces,” McWhorter said, noting the installation removed a major barrier to EV ownership for residents.

Jerry Boulet, supervisor of fleet maintenance for Elk Grove Unified School District, described 31 electric school buses in the district’s fleet, recent charger upgrades and ongoing charger construction supported by EPA funds. “The special needs students, they’re not distracted by the loud diesel buses,” Boulet said, adding that district parents have responded positively to the electric buses.

Director Jennings moved the transportation incentive items; the motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote. Chair Aquino announced the motion carried.

Next steps: staff will execute the contracts as authorized and report back to the board on implementation and outreach plans.