Summary: Governor Kathy Hochul of New York has announced the availability of $32 million for the Clean Mobility Program, aimed at supporting shared electric transportation solutions across the state. This initiative, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), prioritizes community-led projects that address local transportation needs while reducing emissions.
Key aspects of the Clean Mobility Program include: Funding Allocation: The $32 million will be allocated to local governments, transit operators, and community-based organizations through competitive awards. Two funding tracks are available:
- Planning Track: Grants of up to $100,000 for planning activities, such as community engagement and feasibility studies.
- Demonstration Track: Grants of up to $3 million for implementing mobility services, intended to become sustainable models for other communities.
Focus Areas: Eligible projects include shared bikes, e-bikes, e-scooters, on-demand electric vehicle ride-hailing, and small-scale public transit services with flexible routes.
Community and Environmental Goals: The program supports New York State’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85% by 2050. It aims to enhance accessibility to jobs, schools, and services while improving air quality and reducing congestion.
Geographical Priorities: $8 million of the funding is earmarked for specific regions, including $5 million for micro mobility projects in certain utility-served areas and $3 million for projects in the Bronx.
Application Details: Interested parties can apply for funding until August 15, 2024, with a possibility of a second round in 2025 for remaining funds.
This initiative reflects New York’s commitment to sustainable transportation solutions and its broader climate agenda, which includes significant investments in clean energy and emissions reduction across various sectors. Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of community involvement and innovation in advancing these goals, aiming to create cleaner, more equitable transportation options statewide.
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New Clean Mobility Program Supports Community-Led Planning and Demonstration Projects That Solve Local Transportation Needs and Help Reduce Emissions
Supports Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act Goal to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 85 Percent by 2050
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $32 million is now available for shared electric transportation solutions such as micro mobility, shuttles, and ridesharing services. The new Clean Mobility Program will provide funding to support community-led planning and demonstration projects that help reduce emissions, solve local transportation needs and connect residents to services, jobs, and other transit with priority given to those in disadvantaged communities. Today’s announcement supports the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 85 percent by 2050.
“New York has prioritized electrifying its transportation sector and making a wide range of clean public transportation options more accessible and affordable to residents across the state,” Governor Hochul said. “Investments in innovative electric mobility solutions are driving real change that will help meet the everyday needs of New Yorkers while reducing emissions from our roadways and improving the air quality in our communities as a result.”
The new $32 million Clean Mobility Program, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), will competitively award funding to local governments, transit operators, and community-based organizations for selected community led planning and demonstration projects that advance innovative clean mobility options to address transportation challenges. Eligible projects include personal or shared bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters, on-demand electric vehicle ride-hailing, and small-scale, on-demand public transit services with flexible routes, or shared electric vehicle options.
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “Creating a safer, more sustainable transportation system that increases connectivity and access to jobs, schools, and services for all New Yorkers requires scaling up the latest clean mobility options. We look forward to partnering with municipalities, transportation providers and community-based organizations to bring forward solutions that help to cut greenhouse gas emissions, reduce congestion on our roads, and foster greener communities across the state.”
The program will offer two funding tracks:
- Planning Track – up to $100,000 for planning of mobility services including community engagement, site identification, and technical feasibility analysis. Once a project is awarded, the awardee can select a planning firm from a pre-qualified pool of firms to help plan for a future mobility service or do so independently.
- Demonstration Track – up to $3 million for implementing mobility services in communities, with the intention of them becoming sustainable and serving as an example for similar services elsewhere in New York State.
Interested applicants can find more information or apply to this program here. The deadline for both the Planning and Demonstration Track proposals is August 15, 2024, by 3:00 p.m. ET. A second round of the program may launch in summer 2025 for any remaining funds not committed in Round 1.
Additionally, $8 million of the $32 million is designated to fund demonstration projects located in specific areas of the state, including those served by the upstate investor-owned utilities. This includes $5 million for micro mobility projects in the Central Hudson, National Grid, New York State Electric & Gas, and Rochester Electric & Gas region and $3 million for any demonstration projects located in the Bronx.
NYSERDA will host an informational webinar on June 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET. for those interested in learning more about the Clean Mobility Program.
New York State Public Service Commission Chairman Rory M. Christian said, “Developing a clean-energy transportation system is a win, win for New York and for consumers. Engaging communities in this program, particularly low income communities, will help the state’s overall economy and help create a cleaner environment.”
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “Governor Hochul is addressing transportation challenges in our communities across New York by investing in clean, safe and sustainable transportation infrastructure. NYSDOT is proud to partner with our many state and federal partners to advance innovative transportation solutions which help create a more vibrant and resilient future for all.”
This program is part of New York’s nearly $3 billion investment in zero emissions vehicles and growing access and availability to clean transit to benefit all New Yorkers, including those in low-income or disadvantaged areas, by reducing emissions to create cleaner air and healthier communities. It complements New York State’s other zero-emission transportation initiatives including the New York Clean Transportation Prizes program, administered by NYSERDA, the New York State Department of Public Service and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), as part of an $85 million allocation through New York’s Make-Ready program to accelerate the transition to a clean transportation future.
The program is funded through a combination of Clean Energy Fund (CEF), Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), and Micro mobility Make-Ready funds designated through the Make-Ready program.
New York State’s Nation-Leading Climate Plan
New York State’s climate agenda calls for an orderly and just transition that creates family-sustaining jobs, continues to foster a green economy across all sectors and ensures that at least 35 percent, with a goal of 40 percent, of the benefits of clean energy investments are directed to disadvantaged communities. Guided by some of the nation’s most aggressive climate and clean energy initiatives, New York is advancing a suite of efforts – including the New York Cap-and-Invest program (NYCI) and other complementary policies – to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030 and 85 percent by 2050 from 1990 levels. New York is also on a path to achieving a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, and economy-wide carbon neutrality by mid-century. A cornerstone of this transition is New York’s unprecedented clean energy investments, including more than $28 billion in 61 large-scale renewable and transmission projects across the State, $6.8 billion to reduce building emissions, $3.3 billion to scale up solar, nearly $3 billion for clean transportation initiatives and 130 certified Climate Smart Communities, nearly 500 Clean Energy Communities, and the State’s largest community air monitoring initiative in 10 disadvantaged communities across the State to help target air pollution and combat climate change.
Albany New York June 21 2024
Sources: Midtown Tribune news – NY.gov
