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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Christopher Linville, Superintendent of Fleet Operations
DATE: October 18, 2025
SUBJECT:
A Resolution authorizing the City to accept a grant award of $147,375.00 under a grant agreement between the Driving a Cleaner Illinois through IEPA and the City of Aurora.
PURPOSE:
To obtain City Council approval for acceptance of grant funding via the Driving a Cleaner Illinois through IEPA Grant Program, State Award No. 1697-60926, for the Fleet Maintenance Division.
BACKGROUND:
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) has been designated as the lead agency to administer funds allocated to Illinois from the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust (Trust). The Trust was established by Appendix D of the VW Settlement (Settlement). Illinois’ initial allocation of funds is $108 million to be used to fund mobile source projects. The funds are to be used for projects that reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides in Illinois.
The awarded funding will cover the majority of the costs associated with replacing an existing Class 4 diesel truck (GVWR 14,001-16,000 lbs., model years 1992-2009) with a new all-electric vehicle. Additionally, the funding will support the installation of Level 2 charging infrastructure.
DISCUSSION:
The grant will provide $141,750.00 under the agreement for the purchase of an electric Class 4 vehicle (estimated project cost of the vehicle is $189,000.00). The agreement would also provide $5,625.00 for the purchase of a level 2 charging station (estimated project cost of the charging station is $7,500.00) between October 1, 2025, through April 30, 2027. The grant funding is for 75% of the estimated project cost with 25% or $49,125.00 matched by the City.
The grant funding will be placed in revenue account 120-4431-334.30-02. Vehicle and charger expenses are anticipated to be included in the 2026 budget, allocated in accounts 120-4431-418.75-10 and 120-4431-418.74-99.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
The funding awarded through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency under the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust will enable the City to significantly reduce harmful vehicle emissions by replacing an aging Class 4 diesel truck (model year 1992-2009) with a new all-electric equivalent. This transition supports the City’s commitment to environmental sustainability and aligns with statewide efforts to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOₓ) emissions from mobile sources. This project will not only help continue to modernize the City’s fleet but will also contribute to improved air quality, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and long-term cost savings associated with vehicle maintenance and fuel.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Request committee and City Council approval authorizing acceptance of grant funding from the Driving a Cleaner Illinois through IEPA Grant Program in the amount of $147,375.00.
cc: Finance Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution authorizing the City to accept a grant award of $147,375.00 under a grant agreement between the Driving a Cleaner Illinois through IEPA and the City of Aurora.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the City has been awarded $147,375.00 under a grant agreement between the Driving a Cleaner Illinois through IEPA and the City of Aurora; and
WHEREAS, the grant funding will support the project costs for replacing an aging Class 4 diesel truck (model year 1992-2009) with a new all-electric equivalent.; and
WHEREAS, the grant funding will support the project costs for the purchase of a level 2 charging station; and
WHEREAS, the grant funding will be recorded in revenue account 120-4431-334.30-02. Vehicle and charger expenses are anticipated to be included in the 2026 budget, allocated in accounts 120-4431-418.75-10 and 120-4431-418.74-99.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: the City is authorized to accept a grant award of $147,375.00 from the Driving a Cleaner Illinois through IEPA and the City of Aurora Efficiency Grant Program and the Mayor or his designee may execute the grant agreement with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.