Robyn Bancroft

Member since January 23, 2024

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Robyn Bancroft2 years ago Description of Work: Cincinnati Bulk Terminals (CBT) is seeking funding through the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant to address the environmental impact of its outdated equipment. The current fleet, responsible for nearly 50,000 gallons of fuel consumption in 2023, lacks fuel efficiency and emissions reduction capabilities. Operating in various sectors crucial to local businesses, CBT's diverse fleet is often utilized with varying demand, posing a challenge to acquiring newer, more efficient machines. The proposal aims to update key machines to meet the current Tier 4 standards, promoting fuel efficiency and significantly reducing emissions.Proposal Timeline: CBT plans to procure and integrate new machines meeting Tier 4 standards within 4-18 months, factoring in current lead times.Budget Request: Please refer to the Exhibit A for list of equipment and the planned replacements, along with corresponding budget numbers.Current GHG Estimates: In 2023, CBT purchased 49,996.4 gallons of diesel, resulting in a CO2 greenhouse gas emission of 507,153.48 kg. The proposed upgrades anticipate a 30% reduction in fuel consumption across regularly used equipment, providing a tangible reduction in emissions. The funding requested will cover the acquisition and integration of environmentally friendly machines, enabling CBT to transition to Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) and Tier 4 technology which will greatly reduce GHG emissions on top of the hourly fuel burn reduction.Environmental Impact and Community Benefits: With the support of a CRISI grant, CBT has already reduced its impact on the local community by eliminating thousands of truck trips annually. This has not only reduced wear and tear on local roads but also eliminated emissions from trucks. The proposed upgrades not only shrink CBT's carbon footprint but also enhance air quality in surrounding low-income communities. By investing in cleaner-burning equipment, CBT demonstrates its commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being, aligning with the goal of creating a healthier living environment for neighbors who share concerns about air quality.Conclusion: The Green Fleet Initiative is a crucial step for Cincinnati Bulk Terminals in aligning its operations with modern environmental standards. By supporting this proposal, you contribute to a sustainable future, reduce carbon emissions, and foster community well-being.We appreciate your consideration of this proposal and look forward to the opportunity to discuss it further.

Robyn Bancroft2 years ago Kinder Morgan would like to request consideration for funding through the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Program. We want to emphasize the importance of securing additional resources to enhance our serves and fulfill our mission of serving the community. With this notice, we aim to demonstrate our commitment to pursing funding opportunities that align with the objectives of EPA and CPRG.The proposed project aims to address two critical areas of improvement within the Kinder Morgan Queen City Terminal infrastructure: the replacement of existing steam transmission lines that supply product heating capabilities upgrading/replacing three (3) decades-old natural gas fired boilers. Current steam lines suffer from significant leakage issues and heat loss due to missing insulation and inadequate steam traps, resulting in inefficiency and unnecessary energy consumption. By replacing these deteriorating assets with new, insulated lines, Kinder Morgan will enhance the overall efficiency of our heating operations and minimize heat loss. Additionally, aging boilers would be replaced/upgraded with newer technology models, ensuring improved energy efficiency and reduced GHG emissions. This comprehensive approach will not only improve the performance and reliability of our heating system and operations, but also contribute towards Kinder Morgan's commitment to being an "Environmentally Compliant and Responsible Operator," one of our core values.This proposal would be scheduled to be completed in multiple phases, with the completion date being year-end 2028.Funding amount requested: $2,942,262Current GHG emissions are included in attached file. Proposal's impact on GHG emissions are being determined by Kinder Morgan engineering and environmental departments.

Robyn Bancroft2 years ago Brief Description/Scope of Proposal:Northern Kentucky is a logistics and manufacturing hub and thus has almost 90 million square feet of large warehouses and industrial facilities spread throughout our region. With only a few exceptions, rooftop solar installations have not seen widespread adoption, despite having millions of square feet of available rooftop space. We believe this is due primarily to: The lack of a public organization promoting and assisting with solar installations The initial capital outlay The time and complexity involved with having a system designed and installed The Northern Kentucky Commercial/Industrial Solar Energy Program proposes to solve these challenges by launching a $20M revolving loan fund to provide a turnkey solution to commercial and industrial businesses and property owners throughout Boone, Kenton, and Campbell Counties in Kentucky. This program will bring renewable energy to a state with a long history of reliance on fossil fuels.The Northern Kentucky Port Authority will provide loans direct to businesses and property owners to fund the design, installation, and maintenance of rooftop solar panels. The terms and payback schedule will be flexible to allow different sizes and types of companies to take advantage of the program. The initial goal of the program is to install 10 megawatts of power generation in the first deployment of the funds. As funds are paid back and recycled through the revolving loan fund over time, that initial goal will be greatly exceeded. The benefits of this program are: Reduced reliance on fossil fuels and a reduction of GHG generation Reduced operating costs for businesses Ability to attract companies to our region with a strong sustainability culture and address demand for a product our region does not adequately supply today High visibility of the program’s impact as many of the industrial facilities are located near the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport and are visible by airplane passengers flying in and out of the Cincinnati region Job creation Proposal Timeline for Implementation:The Northern Kentucky Port Authority intends to complete the first deployment of these funds within the designated 5-year period of performance, with at least one project committed for completion in 2025. This loan fund would continue to operate on a revolving basis well beyond the initial 5-year term.Funding Request Amount: $20MCurrent GHG Emissions: TBDProposal’s Impact on GHG Emissions: TBDImpact on Low Income/Disadvantaged Communities:The Northern Kentucky Port Authority represents a three-county region where 1 in 10 families live below the poverty line and the investment in clean energy has been next to zero. An investment in this sector would attract skilled workers to the region that would earn a living wage. Additionally, all three counties represented contain federally recognized opportunity zones within their borders, presenting an opportunity for outside investment and retainment of quality industrial holdings.

Robyn Bancroft2 years ago In April 2019, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted and Major General William Cooley, Commander of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, launched SkyVision. DriveOhio's Unmanned Aircraft Systems Center and AFRL began testing the groundbreaking aviation technology at the Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport in Clark County near Dayton, Ohio.SkyVision, is an air traffic control system that enables Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS). SkyVision is a collaboration between AFRL and the State of Ohio which safely, accurately and effectively allows UAS' drones to detect and avoid other aircraft while in flight.The FAA authorized a special waiver to allow AFRL to test defense-related drone technology without reliance on a visual observer or chase aircraft.In order to support the movement of goods via Advanced Aviation Mobility (AAM) vehicles such as those bulleted below SkyVision technology and its BVLOS capabilities must be expanded to Southwest Ohio (Butler, Warren, Hamilton, Clermont, and Brown counties). The term Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is replacing the use of “drone” or “unmanned” aerial vehicle to describe technology that can be used primarily for short trips transporting parcels typically weighing five pounds or less between modes or for first and last mile transport. Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft can launch vertically like a helicopter before transitioning to long-range flight. While there are many applications of VTOL technology, within freight, they will likely serve as a combination of middle mile and last mile functions. VTOLs consist of technology allowing remote human operation, potentially from a centralized hub with multiple operators, or they may operate autonomously with a pre-programmed flight path. The deployment of SkyVision to Southwest Ohio would enable the use of UAVs and VTOLs to deliver goods instead of multiple small truck deliveries. The Ohio Department of Transportation in collaboration with JobsOhio has formed an AAM Team comprised of public and private stakeholders. This team is developing real world AAM deployment opportunities. The healthcare industry and the delivery of blood, medical test samples and medical supplies is viewed as having the greatest opportunity for use of AAM deployment in the region.

Robyn Bancroft2 years ago Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport (CVG) is uniquely situated just 12 miles from downtown Cincinnati. Accessibility to interstates 71, 75, and 275 and proximity to the junction of these three highways will result in an increase in electric vehicle traffic at CVG. Additionally, the addition of the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project will most likely bring additional traffic to CVG. As the nation’s vehicle fleet transitions from internal combustion engines to electric, an increasing number of electric vehicles will be visiting CVG. The attached CVG Electric Vehicle Charging Framework document evaluates the various use cases for electric vehicle charging, as well as identify the various hardware and software solutions currently available.

Robyn Bancroft2 years ago In its Energy & Sustainability Master Plan, the CVG Airport Authority has committed to continuous sustainability improvements. The definition of sustainability in the context of aviation developed by Airports Council International (ACI) is a comprehensive approach to Economic Viability, OperationalEfficiency, Natural Resource Conservation, and Social Responsibility (EONS) across all operations of an airport.CVG Airport Authority plans to achieve the following goals: Align with the ACI’s airport industry goal of Net Zero Carbon by 2050 by providing a roadmap for an efficient, practical, cost-effective, and robust energy reduction implementation plan to achieve this goal. Become an active participant in ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation Program to manage and ultimately reduce CVG’s carbon emissions. Support the efforts of our aviation industry partners in making Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) more widely available in North America and across the globe by enhancing the ability for aircraft operators to use SAF at CVG. Develop and adopt an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting framework. To ensure the goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 is attainable, a detailed strategy has been developed specific to CVG’s onsite operations. The overarching strategy of this plan is to reduce energy consumption through reducing our energy usage by optimizing HVAC and facility infrastructure. The plan also encompasses the electrification of the campus which includes our buildings and vehicles, and then production of energy through the application of solar, geothermal, and micro-grids. We will focus on maximizing the energy reductions realized by energy conservation, energy efficiency, and sustainable construction before establishing renewable energy production. This is the most cost-effective approach to achieving a net zero emission goal. Figure 1 provides an overview of this implementation roadmap of holistic emission reduction. Onsite Solar is one of the key actions to effectively reducing the carbon footprint at CVG.Solar Photovoltaic InstallationSolar photovoltaic (PV) arrays can deliver a multitude of benefits to the CVG campus by providing energy savings, reducing environmental emissions, and serving as a great messaging tool for the community. To achieve the goals set forth in CVGs Sustainability and Energy Master Plan, zero emission power production is going to have to play a part. As part of this plan, a solar installation of nearly 40 megawatts would be required to be installed to generate all of the required power consumed on CVG’s campus. This solar design involves the installation of a combined 39.9-megawatt solar PV array that consists of more than 92,000 high efficiency commercial tier 1 solar modules for roof, ground-mounted, and carport applications. Each of these applications has advantages and disadvantages. Roof Mount PV System – Because it requires the least amount of structural racking to install, this is the cheapest option for solar installation. CVG has over 1,300,000 square feet of roof space across facilities it owns and leases. Ideal buildings for rooftop solar have roofs that are less than 10 years in age or where a new roof is planned to be installed in the near future. Moving forward, as roofs are replaced, all roofs should be reviewed for structural support and installation of photovoltaic panels. Ground Mount PV System– With over 7,500 acres of space across the campus, there is a large opportunity for ground-mounted solar arrays to be installed. Coordinating the location regarding where these systems can be installed will be the most difficult task. Land management and coordination is an ever-evolving challenge at any airport. The plan detailed on the following pages has taken into consideration CVG’s current master plan. Moving forward, solar arrays should be reviewed as possible options for land management. Carport PV System – CVG has over 115 acres of parking lots that are owned and maintained by the airport authority. While carport PV arrays are traditionally more expensive than ground mounted systems, a carport system is installed on land that is developed and fits within its use for years to come. These systems can also be integrated into electric car charging systems. The size and breadth of this array would be the equivalent of installing a power plant in the middle of the region’s electrical grid. This would create distribution and transmission issues that will need to be evaluated with the current utility provider, Duke Energy. Even with significant investment in energy production and battery storage, CVG will need to remain tied to the electrical grid for reliability and a consistent power feed. Therefore, for any undertaking of scale, it is recommended to discuss ways to partner with Duke Energy for this ECM. Battery Storage InstallationWithout energy storage, solar arrays primarily only reduce the electric consumption (kWh) portion of the utility bill without affecting the electric demand (kW) portion much at all. This is because the solar production does not always generate enough power when the building consumes energy. For example, solar PV power can be impacted by a cloud passing over on a sunny summer day. The air conditioning, in conjunction with other loads, continues its use of power, but the solar array is temporarily producing much less. In that moment, the utility needs to provide more power to the building to make up for the loss in power from the PV system. Without the ability to store power from the solar array and smartly discharge that power precisely when needed, the solar array will save on electric consumption, but only reduce building electrical demand by 5-10% of the array size (the 5-10% is according to our actual real-world data). For the reasons outlined above, solar proposals that use a blended rate (an average of consumption and demand charges) should never be considered. Without energy storage, solar arrays will only consistently reduce consumption (kWh) charges.Energy storage can be used in conjunction with solar production to increase the efficiency, payback and reliability of the new power production system. Battery storage systems, in particular Li-Ion battery storage systems, are becoming more common for a variety of applications, mainly due to decreasing cost. There are several battery chemistries that have been used in the past, each with a slightly different set of strengths and weaknesses, depending upon the application. Cost ($/kWh), specific energy density(kWh/kg), specific power density (kW/kg) and cycle life are typically the most important factors to consider. Li-Ion energy storage systems are extremely modular. They can be provided in capacities as low as two kWh to factors of tens of megawatt hour (mWh) in order to meet specific needs. The kWh (storage capacity) and kW (power output) ratings are both important to the functionality of the system, but the kWh almost always drives the overall cost. Therefore, applications that require a relatively low kWh per kW will see faster paybacks. Peak shaving, leveling out peaks in electricity use, reduces the billed demand from the utility by discharging the battery during electricity demand spikes and recharging between these spikes. In some situations, peak shaving alone can yield a payback of less than three years. Detailed demand interval data would be required to generate a load profile and confirm potential savings for this application. This project offers a once in a generation opportunity to create a grid resource for increased resiliency of both CVG and the broader Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region. The rising risk of power outages from cyberattacks or extreme weather has spurred several U.S. airports to consider installing microgrids as part of a broader investment in power resiliency. Any efforts to insulate the airport from operational disruptions benefits both airlines and other businesses operating at airports.Several factors are heightening the importance of power resiliency for airports. Globally, there is an ever-rising risk of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure targets such as public forums, transportation systems, and power grids. Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent. As airport operators shift toward electrified shuttle fleets, vehicles and ground support equipment, airport power needs are increasing.Moreover, airports will need to prepare for future electrification in certain types of aircraft. CVG has the opportunity to significantly enhance resiliency and power availability through the creation ofonsite power generation and the installation of both short- and long-duration energy storage. This electrical grid can be built, enhanced, and expanded as new technologies emerge and costs continue to fall. Eventually, CVG could view the current, utility-managed grid as a backup system.Long-duration energy storage, which is defined as a system that can store energy for more than 10 hours, has long been an important missing piece in the energy transition puzzle. It is widely seen as the linchpin technology that will allow the economy to truly run off intermittent renewable energy sources and backup power after grid disruptions. Recent advancements in battery chemistry have seen fundamental breakthroughs in long duration storage.Microgrid with Data CenterA microgrid is a group of interconnected electrical loads and distributed power resources that act as a single controllable entity with respect to the electrical distribution grid. These loads can connect and disconnect from the grid to operate in “grid-connected” or “island mode.”Advanced microgrids enable local power generation assets, including traditional generators, renewables, and storage, to keep the local grid running, even when the larger grid experiences interruptions. In addition, advanced microgrids allow local assets to work together to save money, extend duration of energy supplies, and produce revenue via market participation. In the aviation sector, microgrids have begun to be seen as a necessary resiliency measure. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has recommended consideration of microgrids to supplement existing utility infrastructure and improve resilience. In March 2022, the FAA updated its guidance on project eligibility for Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant funding to include microgrid projects. Specifically, eligible projects include theacquisition and installation of generators, separation of the main power supply from redundant power supply, and the construction or modification of airport facilities to install a microgrid Microgrids have been deployed at hundreds of higher education campuses, hospitals, municipalities, military bases, and commercial campuses in the United States. Yet as of the drafting this report, only one U.S. airport has deployed a microgrid. The development of a microgrid at CVG would contribute to a more resilient operation by providing redundancy to the larger grid. When included in a comprehensive energy strategy, a microgrid could create the opportunity for CVG to add a data center to the campus. Data centers are large power consumers. While adding significant load may seem counter intuitive, the addition of a data center to CVG’s campus can be used a deployable energy load in the event excess power is created. Timeline: Plan, Design, and Implement Onsite Renewable Solar Energy with Battery Storage, utilizing Microgrid Technology - 5-10 years.

Robyn Bancroft2 years ago Project DescriptionSORTA would partner with the local utility company for the installation of solar panels on the roofs of the bus garages located in Bond Hill and Queensgate. The project would support the City of Cincinnati’s goal is to reduce its emissions by 84% between 2006 and 2050 as well as the goal to reduce the region’s current reliance on fossil fuels. Funding for this project would include the panels, the roof structure improvements needed, the infrastructure for coordinating the solar energy with the distribution management of the local utility, and consulting work to ensure the design, financial assumptions and local utility agreements, project implementation and management of the installation are efficient, effective, wise and of high quality. It is noted that the Bond Hill and Queensgate communities are considered disadvantaged communities with 20% of the Bond Hill Community, and over 50% of the Queensgate community living in poverty. The City of Cincinnati noted in their Bond Hill Neighborhood profile that there exist high levels of exposure to air pollution, and ͞high levels of air toxins that can lead to cancers and respiratory hazards. The City’s environmental hazard review report of Bond Hill in 2021 states that the Bond Hill neighborhood is at extreme risk for a variety of transportation related hazards such as traffic exposure, PM2.5 level in Air, Diesel Particulate, and respiratory disease. Solar installations to serve SORTA’s garage needs and bus fleet would be a large step towards reducing the emissions in these disadvantaged communities while increasing the quality of life through cleaner air and quieter transit within their living area.GHG Emissions ReductionGHG emissions reductions realized from the implementation of solar or SORTA’s garage roofs would be based on the design and efficiency of the system, the power agreement structure with the local utility, and the estimated actual power usage from the system (that would replace coal fired electric demand). An energy consultant would be used to address all three of these areas. It is noted that this consultant would partner with specific persons of SORTA to ensure this solar knowledge becomes part of the organization. Grants pursued – Including the EPA CPRGSORTA plans to pursue funding from the EPA CPRG program to fund solar installations as part of the overall garage renovations. Additional grants that could fund this effort include RAISE, STBG grants, and 5339 grants. However, it is noted that due to SORTA’s high capital project funding needs for implementing the Reinventing Metro Strategy, there is likely not enough grant funding available to support this solar installation effort on a large scale. SORTA is excited that the EPA CPRG funding opportunity could make a larger solar rooftop plan a reality.

Robyn Bancroft2 years ago Advance planning, project development and environmental review activities for safety and mobility improvements at two adjacent crossings – Symmes Road (CSX Crossing #152389P) and North Gilmore Road (CSX Crossing #152388H) in City of Fairfield, Ohio. A grade separation will minimize wasted fuel and GHG emissions from motorists blocked at grade crossing by passing trains. A 2019 Report published by the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) entitled RAIL SAFETY: Freight Trains Are Getting Longer, and Additional Information Is Needed to Assess Their Impact found that “freight train length has increased in recent years, according to all seven Class I freight railroads. Data provided to GAO by two Class I railroads indicated that their average train length has increased by about 25 percent since 2008, with average lengths of 1.2 and 1.4 miles in 2017.” This average train length translates into an engine pulling approximately 108 rail cars which is roughly 1.3 miles in length. In 2021, using NearMap aerial imagery, trains over two miles in length have been documented traveling on the CSX Main Line where both crossing are located.

Robyn Bancroft2 years ago

Robyn Bancroft2 years ago Scope of Proposal Assist with the replacement/upgrade of fossil fuel-based equipment used by Asphalt, Construction, River and Rail industrial businesses with more efficient and/or lower GHG emitting clean diesel or battery powered fuel sources. Convert chemical storage tanks from fossil fuel heating source to electric heating source.Equipment may be stationary within the 16-county Cincinnati Metro Area or mobile and used in various locations across the region.Funding Amount: $28,770,000Current GHG emissions TBD with analysis using existing equipment fuel consumed and hours of operation.Proposed impact on GHG emissions TBD by collecting data from new replacement equipment.Proposed timeline for implementation: 2 years for equipment replacement Up to 5 years for storage tank conversion

Robyn Bancroft2 years ago Project DescriptionSORTA is planning for the opening of the first 2 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors in 2028 and 2029. With dedicated lanes, less frequent stops, high end bus stops and alternatively fueled vehicles, transit moves closer to becoming the transportation of choice for potential customers within the region. Implementation of BRT includes the corridor construction, alternative energy fueled vehicles and related fueling infrastructure, as well as the needed storage and maintenance facilities for the dedicated BRT vehicles. The BRT corridors are planned along some of the heaviest traveled transit routes in the region – serving a large group of income levels within SORTA’s service area, and meeting current and future transportation needs of the elderly, disabled and minority populations who depend on transit to get to jobs, health care, education etc. SORTA is working closely with the regional communities, and stakeholders such as the City of Cincinnati, Hamilton County administrators, jurisdictional administrators, OKI (the MPO) and community business in and around the first two BRT routes, Hamilton Avenue and Reading Road, to further define and carry out the elements of the BRT plan. These elements include environmental studies, risk identification and mitigation actions, architectural and engineering designs. Through the BRT planning, transit-oriented development (TOD), multi-modal integration, and transit oriented permitting are addressed.GHG Emissions ReductionThe implementation of the BRT service will address significant GHG emissions by replacing single occupancy automobiles on the road with a viable and attractive transit alternative – thereby increasing transit use in the region and reducing GHG emissions. SORTA is also planning to use a dedicated fleet of alternatively fueled vehicles to serve the BRT routes. GHG emissions reduction will also manifest with the redevelopment of SORTA’s garages supporting the BRT implementation. The garage renovations will include energy efficiency improvements to HVAC systems, air circulation, bus circulation improvements etc.CHG emissions reductions in the EPA CPRG application would be based on the above factors.Additional CHG emissions reductions will be realized in the region as transit oriented development begins to take form along the BRT designated corridors, encouraging denser walking neighborhoods, while promoting additional transit use in place of cars.Grants Pursued Including the EPA CPRGSORTA plans to pursue funding from the EPA CPRG program for renovation of the Queensgate and Bond Hill garages that will house and service the dedicated BRT alternatively fueled fleet. The cost estimate for the redevelopment of both garages is near $130M. This need, net of an existing OKI STBG grant award of $8M, stands at about $120M.SORTA is also pursuing roughly $300M in Capital Improvement Grant (CIG) funding for BRT implementation that includes corridor construction, and the dedicated alternatively fueled BRT fleet of buses. SORTA will continue to pursue RAISE funding and additional STBG funds that could be applied towards design, architecture and construction work for the garages that will be supporting the BRT program. However, due to the large amount of capital funding needed, and the immediacy of that need, funding from the EPA CPRG program would help ensure successful implementation of BRT in the region within the 2028 to 2029 time frame.

Robyn Bancroft2 years ago CVG-led coalition of users and fuel producers to both study and develop SAF capabilities at scale in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region. Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is made from renewable biomass (e.g. corn grain, oil seeds, algae) and waste resources (e.g. wood mill waste and agricultural and forest residues). SAF has the potential to deliver the performance of petroleum-based jet fuel with a smaller carbon footprint. SAF has shown to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in flight by up to 20% over kerosene-based Jet A fuel.

Robyn Bancroft2 years ago Project DescriptionThe effort to transition from a diesel fueled transit fleet to an alternatively fueled transit fleet to serve the region, would realize a huge boost with funding provided from the EPA CPRG program, due to the large capital investment needed to do so. SORTA’s Transition Plan to an alternatively fueled fixed route fleet will need an estimated $104M (in 2024 dollars) over the next 5 years (2025 through 2029). Keeping the fixed route transit vehicles in a state of good repair requires the replacement of 25 fixed route vehicles per year that have met or exceeded their useful life. For all five years, SORTA anticipates replacing all yet unfunded older diesel bus replacements with state of the art hybrid buses, as well as modifying already funded green diesel bus purchases with purchases for the latest model hybrid buses.GHG Emissions ReductionThere will be specific and measurable GHG emissions reductions through the replacement of older diesel buses with hybrid buses. SORTA has begun the implementation of this Transition Plan through the purchase of 11 new hybrids with the 2023 delivery, 7 hybrids and 6 BEBs funded in the 2024 delivery, and 9 BEB’s funded to date to be delivered in 2026. Additional GHG emissions reductions are also expected with the attraction of new transit customers who value the cleaner, quieter vehicles. These customers value the more enjoyable transit ride itself, while tending to support organizations that offer sustainable options for transportation needs.Grants Pursued Including the EPA CPRGExisting funding for fixed route buses in the years 2025 through 2029 are coming from OKI STBG grants. SORTA will continue to pursue traditional discretionary grants such as 5339 B and C, and additional STBG and DERG funding to complete the full 25 bus replacements per year needed, however, it is apparent that to meet the Transition Plan to a full alternatively fueled fleet, the exponential increase in costs will require additional funding sources. To that end, SORTA is pursuing an estimated $104M in funding from the EPA CPRG program.

Robyn Bancroft2 years ago Project DescriptionThe goal of the Uptown Transit Program is to work with the major employers and academic institutions in Uptown to create a dramatic shift from single occupancy vehicles (SOV) to transit. Uptown is home to roughly 70,000 employees, making it the area with the highest level of employees within the OKI UZA. Employers include major hospital systems and educational institutions. Uptown also is home to the University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati State College, which together serve about 65,000 students.The Uptown Transit Program would be a comprehensive initiative that would include:· Working with the employers and higher education institutions of the area to provide free bus passes to all employees and students· Heavily marketing the use of transit· Making adjustments to the transit network to better facilitate the localized travel patterns/needs within Uptown· Connecting Uptown’s employees and students to the future BRT line on Reading Road which is planned to be operational in 2028.The free transit pass program would begin immediately and would last for 2 to 3 years. During this period, SORTA will track usage of the system, by employer and university or college, and will work with these organizations to create a long-term funding plan for sustaining free transit fares to their employees/students beyond the initial free fare transit program period.GHG Emissions ReductionEmissions Reductions from the proposed Uptown Transit Program will result from employees transitioning from single occupancy vehicles to transit, as well as from reduced congestion in the Uptown region due to less vehicles are on the road. SORTA will use transit modeling programs to forecast the transit ridership increase resulting from this program during the 2 to 3 years the program is live. This figure, sharpened as SORTA would move forward with the program, as well as a figure developed to represent those employee customers and students that would continue to use transit once the program expires, will be used to calculate the GHG emissions reduction.Grants Pursued Including the EPA CPRGThe Uptown Transit Program is preliminarily estimated to cost upwards of $25M to $50M - which includes the free transit passes as well as the marketing and administration of the program over a 2 to 3 year period. SORTA plans to pursue the funding for the implementation of the Uptown Transit Program through the EPA CPRG grant, realizing there is a lack of grant funding sources for this type and size of program. It is fairly certain the funding will be spent, and the CHG emissions reduction realized, within the short 2 to 3 year time frame that the Uptown Transit program is live – with a percentage of those emissions reductions continuing well into the future.

Robyn Bancroft2 years ago Funding for an electrified locomotive proof of concept pilot project to provide a proven and reliable technology that can be in service on a daily basis moving freight. This will begin to set the stage for widespread adoption across the region, states and nation.This proposal supports the movement of freight via rail which is more fuel efficient and emits fewer GHGs in comparison to diesel trucks traveling on our public roadways.

Robyn Bancroft2 years ago Executive SummaryCincinnati Barge & Rail Terminal, LLC seeks to undertake critical infrastructure modernization, transitioning to greener, more efficient operations, and significantly reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at our barge terminal.BackgroundCincinnati Barge & Rail Terminal, LLC is a pivotal node in the regional freight transportation network, yet it currently operates with equipment and processes that are energy-intensive and emit a high level of GHGs. This project aims to address these challenges by implementing state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly technologies. Improvements to the efficiency and capacity of terminal operations are also anticipated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the interstate transportation of cargo, as utilization of barges to transport freight on riverways reduces greenhouse gas emissions by reducing truck miles/hours used to transport freight.Objectives Electrification of Equipment: Procurement of an electric-powered excavator, stacker for conveyor systems, and winches for barge movements. Efficiency Enhancements: Introduction of a new loader, heavy-lift forklifts, and small forklifts for intermodal transfers to improve operational efficiency. Infrastructure Upgrades: Implementation of a new barge lid lift system and the acquisition of a new floating barge and river cell for heavier equipment. Installation of electrical infrastructure to support electrification of equipment and efficiency enhancements. Environmental Impact: Each proposed enhancement is selected for its potential to increase efficiency and reduce emissions, with a focus on electric-powered solutions where feasible. Expected Outcomes: Emission Reduction: Significant reduction in GHG emissions through the adoption of electric and high-efficiency equipment. Operational Efficiency: Improved operational efficiency and reduced energy consumption across terminal operations. Economic Benefits: Enhanced competitiveness of the terminal, leading to economic benefits for the region, including job creation. Replicability: Development of a model for sustainable practices that can be replicated at other barge terminals. Project Description Mantsinen Crane 90 Excavator/ Material Handler: with Electric Hookup: An advanced excavator with high-voltage electric power capabilities, ensuring low emissions and efficient material handling. New Floating Barge and River Cell: An enhanced floating barge and river cell system to safely hold heavier equipment along the river, designed to minimize environmental impact. Electric Winches for Barge Movement: Upgraded winches with electric drives to facilitate barge movements, reducing reliance on diesel and lowering emissions. Material Handler Attachments: Additional attachments, including a new bucket and clamshell grab, barge lid lifter to increase the versatility and efficiency of our excavator operations. New Stacker for Conveyor System: Replacement of our current stacker with a new, more efficient model to improve the energy efficiency of our bulk material handling. Efficient Loader: An upgraded loader that will reduce fuel consumption and emissions while maintaining operational capacity. Heavy Lift Forklift: A 36,000 to 40,000-pound forklift for heavy lifting tasks, designed to operate efficiently and with reduced emissions. Small Forklifts for Multimodal Moves: Two small forklifts designed for efficient transfers from barge to rail or truck, reducing idle times and emissions. Budget & TimelineBudget Allocation (Preliminary Estimates): Mantsinen Crane 90 Model: $3.1 million Work Barge: $1.2 million RiverCell: $1.9 million Barge Moving Winches: $550,000 New Stacker for Conveyor: $850,000 New Loader: $900,000 New Heavy Lift Forklift: $750,000 New Small Forklift: $350,000 Infrastructure for Power for Lifts and Crane: $750,000 Safety Measures: $500,000 Total Duration for Implementation: 18 months Note: Prices listed are preliminary estimates and will be adjusted to reflect 2024 pricing as updated quotes are received.ConclusionThis project represents a significant stride towards environmental stewardship and economic vitality. The upgrades and modernizations planned for this barge terminal will serve as a catalyst for tangible greenhouse gas reductions and a model for sustainable practices within the maritime industry. Through the meticulous execution of this project, we anticipate setting new industry benchmarks for eco-efficiency and operational excellence. The requested grant funding is more than just an investment in machinery and technology; it is a commitment to a future where economic activities harmonize with our collective environmental responsibilities. As we stand at the crossroads of innovation and tradition, CBRT is poised to demonstrate that significant environmental gains can be achieved alongside enhanced economic outcomes. The successful implementation of this project will not only fulfill our immediate objectives but will also lay down a replicable blueprint for others to follow, amplifying the impact of the CPRG program's foresight and support.The trust and partnership of EPA through the award of CPRG funding will enable us to contribute meaningfully to the global effort against climate change, fostering a legacy of sustainability for generations to come. We look forward to the opportunity to work together to bring this vision to fruition.

Robyn Bancroft2 years ago

Robyn Bancroft

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