Agenda - 12-10-2024; 6-b - Community Climate Action Grant (CCAG) – FY 2024-25 Project Selection

Browse Search

greatest benefit to other farmers and organizations motivated to support resilient communities and reduced11 emissions.The farm would save$19,915 on electricity and 153,108 kWh per year. Reviewer Comments:The CFE regarded this as a great project with significant potential but noted that full funding was not feasible as it would consume nearly half of the available grant funds and this was a project that needed full, not partial,funding to move forward.The application was strong and demonstrated a positive impact on the local economy and the CFE encourages Red Hawk to apply again and/or continue to pursue other funding through state and federal grants.The HRC appreciated the project as a valuable component of a broader initiative to transition the farm to sustainable operations.They also commended its ties to Durham schools for food supply, highlighting its commitment to social responsibility. #8 Ranked Project—Town of Chapel Hill — E-bike Pilot Project Applicant(Collaborators):The Bicycle Chain, East Coast Electric Speed Shop, and Trek Funding Requested: $57,165 Recommended Funding Level: $0 Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 18.1 Project Description:The Town of Chapel Hill is creating a free e-bike lending program and requests funding for e-bike maintenance and management services to lengthen this pilot program another 6 months or more to offer e-bike experiences to more residents. Funds would also cover helmets, locks, cargo a-bike racks, bags, and baskets, and an additional bike rack for secure storage. Project Benefits:This project will increase participation in biking by reducing barriers to demographics who find it difficult financially and physically. It also will increase access to transportation for those who lack it.The reduction of tailpipe emissions will improve local air quality and help reduce traffic congestion and parking constraints. Economic stimulation will result from the sale of more e-bikes. The use of biking equipment, like helmets, will increase public safety. Reviewer Comments:This was a strong and well-written application; however, due to limited CCAG funds,the project could not be supported this year.There were also concerns about bike theft and the limited impact on Orange County's economic development.The CFE encourages Chapel Hill to reapply next year.The HRC noted concerns about the demographics served, appreciating that the program provides free a-bike access to low-income individuals. However, they felt the outreach efforts lacked a strong focus on racial equity. #9 Ranked Project— Community Home Trust— Electrification Project Applicant(Collaborators): Carrboro Plumbing& Morales Heating and Cooling Funding Requested: $110,000 Recommended Funding Level: $0 Total Score (Out of 26 pts): 17.8 Project Description: Community Home Trust (CHT) proposes to provide electric water heaters as replacements for gas water heaters AND electric heat pumps as replacements for gas furnace/electric air conditioners for five (5) homes that are currently in the CHT inventory.This proposal will remove barriers for homeowners to replace their equipment. Project Benefits: By successfully completing these conversions,the homes will be better candidates for the addition of solar-electric panels, providing an exciting opportunity to engage homeowners in additional solar energy education. CHT would also be in a better position to analyze additional efficiency measures such as weatherization. Up to 20 individuals will benefit immediately.The RMI analysis estimates heating and cooling costs will be lowered by $10,159 per house over the 15-year lifetime of the HVAC equipment. As the homes are permanently affordable, CHT expects additional beneficiaries over time. Homeowners'fuel consumption along with gas bills will begin to decrease immediately.