Provide funding under the inflation reduction act to the city of seward

The City of Seward was awarded a $50,813,378 project grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Clean Ports Program (CFDA 66.051) to improve air quality and reduce pollution at the Port of Seward and the surrounding area. The grant funding will be used to install vessel shore power infrastructure, including two shore power pedestals, a 115 kV line extension, and an eight modular battery energy storage system. Additionally, the grant will fund the creation of a workforce development program at the local vocational school (AVTEC) to provide training on zero-emission technology. The expected outcomes include reduced annual emissions of NOx, PM2.5, SO2, and CO2, increased energy storage capacity and connectivity, and a skilled workforce to maintain and operate the new high-voltage electrical equipment. The project will benefit the Port of Seward, its partners ARRC and Seward Company, and the local Seward Electric utility, as well as the surrounding communities through improved air quality.

Description

The purpose of this award is to provide funding under the inflation reduction act to the city of seward. Specifically, the recipient will improve air quality and reduce pollution at the port of seward and in the surrounding area through the deployment of zero-emission equipment and infrastructure at the port. Activities:the activities include the installation of vessel shore power infrastructure and associated infrastructure upgrades, switchgear, and a battery energy storage system. Subrecipient:the subaward for the avtec program will fund the costs for creating a workforce development program at the local vocational school. This includes hiring instructors to create a instruction plan, creating the courses and advertising the courses with the administrative team at avtec, as well as purchasing the necessary equipment for students to have hands-on learning.outcomes:the anticipated deliverables include the purchase and deployment of two vessel shore power pedestals for cruise ships and other vessels including a 115 KV line extension to connect the shore power system to the grid and an eight modular battery energy storage systems. Other deliverables include conducting community engagement events, workforce training on zero-emission technology, and a baseline mobile source emissions inventory. The expected outcomes include reduced annual emissions of NOX, PM2.5, SO2, and CO2; increased energy storage capacity and connectivity; and a workforce that is better skilled in the maintenance and operation of high voltage electrical equipment. The intended beneficiaries include the port of seward (grantee); arrc (partner); seward company (partner), and seward electric (utility partner). Indirect beneficiaries include near-port communities which will experience reduced emissions.