ARC CFI Application _ Project Summary.pdf

F o r e w o r d

FOREWORD

The Bipar�san Infrastructure Law presents a historic opportunity to invest in metro Atlanta and build a beter future for all residents. It expands the defini�on of infrastructure and provides support for a set of goals and objec�ves that include much more than ensuring future mobility. For example, there are new opportuni�es for promo�ng equitable access to clean transporta�on, advancing the Jus�ce40 Ini�a�ve, contribu�ng to federal climate goals; and suppor�ng workforce, educa�on, among other things.

In addi�on, much of the funding will be distributed through compe��ve programs that give priority to collabora�ve applica�ons that cross city or county lines and provide regional solu�ons – ideas which are at the heart of the Atlanta Regional Commission’s (ARC) strategic framework. Our mission – to foster thriving communi�es for all within the Atlanta region through collabora�ve, data-informed planning and investments - brings us squarely to the opportunity at hand – the U.S. DOT’s Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Grant program.

The CFI Grant program aligns perfectly with ARC’s objec�ves to expand the public’s access to electric vehicle (EV) charging and to reduce greenhouse gas and other emissions through the accelera�on of EV adop�on. And it offers an unprecedented opportunity to address climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase use of electric vehicles in the metro Atlanta, while concurrently building meaningful collabora�ve partnerships and fostering an environment that supports the goals of the U.S. Equity Ac�on Plan. The CFI grant program undoubtedly can direct real community benefits to historically overburdened and underserved communi�es.

This CFI Grant applica�on demonstrates our commitment to be a na�onal leader in electrifica�on. We believe that MPO leadership in the region’s CFI development will provide a strong example of the value of metropolitan planning above and beyond its historic role. The Atlanta region has been preparing for this pivotal �me and is already developing a Regional Electrifica�on Plan. This grant applica�on, when awarded and implemented in concert with other ini�a�ves from our local partners around the region, will thrust us forward as a leader along the electrifica�on path.

The electric vehicle market is dynamic, mul�-dimensional, and rapidly evolving.

In the applica�on that follows, you will see that we offer a collabora�ve team capable of se�ng the pace for accelera�on of EV infrastructure development in Georgia. You will learn of our desire to partner with our ARC Transporta�on Equity Advisory Group to build new community rela�onships and showcase innova�ve ways to bring meaningful community benefits to historically disadvantaged communi�es.

My hope is that you’ll also find something else – namely, our all-consuming drive reflected in our values: excellence, integrity and equity. These are ARC’s core values and the values, we believe, that make metro Atlanta One Great Region - an outstanding regional context for successful CFI project implementa�on.

Anna Roach ARC Execu�ve Director

1 | P r o j e c t S u m m a r y

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Background

Considera�on of Market Opportuni�es

Our Regional Strategic Focus

Implementa�on Concept

Safety and Security

Equity in Engagement, Outreach and Educa�on

Budget Summary

Coordina�on with Electric Service Suppliers

Federal Procurement Requirements

Structure of Applica�on

2 | P r o j e c t S u m m a r y

Background

The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is reques�ng $14,793,845 of federal funding under the Charging and Fueling Instructure (CFI) Discre�onary Grant Program. These funds will be used to expand the region’s network of DC fast chargers along or near designated Alterna�ve Fuels Corridors (AFCs), as well as provide Level 2 sta�ons that will be free-of-charge to the vehicle operator, with an emphasis given to loca�ons within or near disadvantaged communi�es. Considera�on will be given to maximizing the poten�al for charging sta�ons to serve drivers both along corridors and within communi�es concurrently, as explained later within this applica�on.

ARC is the federally-required Metropolitan Planning Organiza�on (MPO) for a region that is home to 5 million people. This applica�on was developed on behalf of our 20 coun�es and 100+ incorporated municipali�es to support our collec�ve efforts to prepare for a future where electric vehicles eventually replace most internal combus�on engine (ICE) powered vehicles on the road today. This process is well underway and is rapidly accelera�ng and the Atlanta region intends to be at the forefront of embracing a clean energy future.

Considera�on of Market Opportuni�es

While ARC developed this applica�on to be rela�vely broad in nature, we recognize that it does not address every need presented by the clean energy vehicle market. Several of ARC’s cons�tuent local governments are also pursuing grants which we believe will be complementary in nature and emphasize other opportuni�es that this regional grant might not be well-suited to address. For example, it is our understanding that the City of Atlanta hopes to install DC fast chargers at parks and recrea�onal facili�es, loca�ons which will not generally be as convenient for long-distance travelers along an AFC but which will be beneficial to local residents. The City of Peachtree Corners advised ARC that they intend to submit an applica�on that also includes, in addi�on to EV charging sta�ons, hydrogen and propane fueling loca�ons to support city fleet vehicles.

ARC is also aware that other jurisdic�ons are considering applying to install chargers under a program designed specifically to target minority-owned small businesses. This is a concept ARC

3 | P r o j e c t S u m m a r y strongly supports and internal conversa�ons are already underway to determine if and how it could be scaled up for a regional applica�on during a future funding opportunity.

ARC believes that over the next several years, an “all of the above” approach, as exemplified by the range in scope of applica�ons from the region, will be required to make clean fuel infrastructure as ubiquitous as gas sta�ons are today. The electric vehicle market will reach its full poten�al only when consumers feel comfortable that “charging up” is as simple as “fueling up” as an ICE vehicle and/or offers a significant cost savings. The Atlanta region has been preparing for this pivotal �me and is already developing a Regional Electrifica�on Plan, an idea which first gained trac�on before the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act / Bipar�san Infrastructure Law (IIJA/BIL) was signed into law. This grant applica�on, when awarded and implemented in concert with other ini�a�ves from our local partners around the region, will con�nue incrementally moving us forward along that path.

The electric vehicle market is mul�-dimensional. Long distance trips across a state, region or the na�on will require fast chargers at closely spaced intervals along major travel corridors.

Implementa�on of that network of facili�es is underway through the $135 million which Georgia an�cipates receiving under the federal Na�onal Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. Following the state’s NEVI plan, completed in August 2022, funds can only be used for DC fast chargers along designated Alterna�ve Fuels Corridors. That founda�onal infrastructure is cri�cal and is where much of the emphasis has been placed in the electrifica�on conversa�on to date.

The Corridor Program portion of this grant request focuses on helping to build out the infrastructure needed to fully meet the needs of the long-distance high-speed charging market segment.

But there are several other markets which must be addressed in order to meet the full range of needs of the traveling public:

Georgia NEVI Plan Goals

4 | P r o j e c t S u m m a r y

• Daily needs. Most of the typical person’s mileage is logged within a rela�vely small geography concentrated around the community where they live, work, shop and recreate. In circumstances where a vehicle may be parked at one or more places over the course of a day, with a residence �me measured in hours, not minutes, Level 2 charging could be a more sensible approach. Since there are significant periods of �me when the car is idle and not in ac�ve use, the goal would be to provide ample opportunity to receive incremental amounts of charge throughout the day. We don’t always drive our internal combus�on engine vehicles with a full tank of gas because gas sta�ons are so ubiquitous. As publicly accessible Level 2 charging opportuni�es grow and become more widespread, like tradi�onal refueling, it will help alleviate "local range anxiety" held by exis�ng EV drivers and those purchasing an EV.

This market, focusing on locally-oriented travel to meet daily needs, is the other focus of this grant request and will utilize funds under the Community Program.

• Home and workplace charging. Most of this market expansion capacity resides en�rely with decisions made by private property owners. However, we must address situa�ons where people do not have access to driveways, garages or other designated parking spaces.

Examples where significant need exists would be serving people who live in apartments and condos in dense urban areas with limited or no parking or where the property manager has chosen not to provide this amenity.

While funding from this grant can’t be used to provide direct financial incentives for privately owned chargers, there are opportunities from other federal, state and private sources which can be leveraged. As part of the broader engagement, outreach and education efforts to be undertaken as part of this initiative, in concert with those associated with development of the Regional Electrification Plan, ARC can be a conduit for information about how to expand this essential infrastructure.

• Medium and heavy duty vehicles. Infrastructure will be necessary for recharging freight trucks, public works departments, and construc�on equipment which, due to their overall vehicle sizes, weight and func�on, use larger bateries requiring longer recharge �mes. This infrastructure will demand significant power demands and there are addi�onal safety considera�ons which must be addressed. Fleets operated by public agencies and private sector en��es may have similar basic needs with respect to charging infrastructure, but those needs will generally need to be addressed via different funding and implementa�on approaches.

5 | P r o j e c t S u m m a r y

Funding under this program must be used at locations which are accessible to the general public. To the extent that a medium or heavy duty vehicle, regardless of ownership or purpose, can access DC fast chargers, this project will expand the charging network for them as well. Since disadvantaged communities are frequently more burdened by pollutants generated by diesel powered vehicles, converting trucks should be considered a public health and equity priority.

• Bicycles and personal mobility devices. This market tends to be overlooked in the na�onal electrifica�on conversa�on, but many short urban trips that don’t require much carrying capacity are already being served by electric bicycles, scooters and other devices. Therefore, the ability to receive a quick free charge at a nearby des�na�on may serve as an incen�ve for individuals to shi� addi�onal passenger vehicle trips to these more environmentally friendly modes.

As the concept for this application was developed and refined with potential implementation partners, ARC expressed its desire that Level 2 chargers be designed to accommodate electric bicycles and scooters in addition to automobiles. We believe that this goal can be easily achieved since the power requirements for these modes are relatively small in comparison to charging an auto.

Our Regional Strategic Focus

ARC’s electrifica�on plan and other planning efforts will eventually ensure that all major poten�al markets are addressed. In the future, we hope to apply for addi�onal grants under this program to implement the full vision. ARC will also iden�fy and work with implementa�on partners to pursue other opportuni�es at the federal, state, regional and local government levels, as well as with the private sector. However, this applica�on focuses on two components of the marketplace: 1) fast charging concentrated along major long-distance travel corridors, and 2) Level 2 charging oriented primarily around daily travel needs.

Expanding the fast charger network is essen�al because range anxiety is s�ll a major reason many people have not yet bought an electric vehicle, according to mul�ple 2022 surveys conducted by Forbes, Car and Driver and the American Automobile Associa�on. Concern over where vehicles can be charged remains high despite major technological advances in range capacity in recent years. When an individual plans to travel long distances, it would be a reasonable expecta�on for fast charging sta�ons to be readily available and convenient, so the “down �me” for refueling is minimized. We all want to get back on the highway and get to our des�na�on on a certain schedule. Fast charging will also provide opportuni�es for drivers who lack dedicated facili�es at their residence or workplace.

6 | P r o j e c t S u m m a r y

Source: US Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency

But long-distance trips of several hundred (or thousand) of miles are not typical. Most travel occurs within a small geography and there are plenty of opportuni�es for recharging to occur incrementally without the sense of urgency. We never stress about filling up our gas tanks because in an urban or suburban environment we’re almost always within a mile or two of a gas sta�on. We don’t have to think or plan ahead. For EV market penetra�on to expand and reach a �pping point, EV drivers need that same level of convenience and comparable ameni�es.

Consumers will also benefit from the compe��on provided by an expanded network, which will reduce costs. Since most electric vehicles are s�ll on the higher end of what many people can afford, the poten�al for lower opera�ng costs compared to an ICE vehicle can be an important mo�va�ng factor when a purchase decision is being made.

Implementa�on Concept

The implementa�on concept driving this grant request is grounded in the power of public-private partnerships and a comprehensive understanding of market opportuni�es. With the concept of focusing ini�ally on the two markets iden�fied above, ARC had conversa�ons with

7 | P r o j e c t S u m m a r y mul�ple private sector companies to flesh out what might be possible and determine their level of interest. ARC determined mul�ple partners were needed to fulfill the overall concept and poten�al partners were requested to express an ability and willingness to cooperate through the planning and implementa�on process. With that in mind, discussions ul�mately focused on two poten�al private sector partners: RaceTrac, Inc. and Volta Charging. Our applica�on reflects the outcome of those exploratory conversa�ons.

RaceTrac, Inc. operates over 780 retail gasoline convenience stores across 12 southeastern states under the RaceTrac (company-operated) and RaceWay (franchise-operated) brands. Most loca�ons feature 20 to 24 gasoline fueling posi�ons which are well lit and under canopy, as well as a 5000+ sq. �. convenience store offering thousands of items catering to drivers and their passengers. The company was founded in 1934 and is headquartered in metro Atlanta. RaceTrac’s moto is “Whatever Gets You Going”, which can be interpreted as a nod to a fuel-agnos�c corporate philosophy. Although its historic and current business model centers on liquid petroleum fuels, the company wants to con�nue providing fuel choices to its customers as their needs evolve. RaceTrac, Inc. recognizes the opportunity, as part of its long-term growth strategy, to expand into the electric vehicle charging market.

Volta Charging, which was recently acquired by Shell USA, Inc., provides electric vehicle charging at over 3,000 loca�ons across the U.S, including 188 in metro Atlanta as of June 2023. It provides free Level 2 charging in most loca�ons through a business model based on adver�sing.

The company has partnerships with a large number of commercial property owners such as grocery stores, pharmacies, movie theaters, and department stores where people might spend anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours.

PredictEV® is Volta’s proprietary planning so�ware which uses machine learning to predict current and future EV charging needs, from infrastructure load requirements to site level specifics. It allows the company to forecast current and future demand to plan its network expansion more effec�vely. With the ability to quan�fy the socioeconomic profiles of users and demonstrate how well the service is used by people who live in or near disadvantaged communi�es, PredictEV® will be invaluable in helping this applica�on fulfill the requirements of the Jus�ce40 ini�a�ve.

8 | P r o j e c t S u m m a r y

If the full amount of federal funding requested under this applica�on ($14.79 million) is awarded, 57.8% of the funding ($8.55 million) will be used for publicly accessible Direct Current Fast Charging sta�ons and 38.8% ($5.74 million) will be dedicated to Level 2 charging sta�ons which will be free for their users. A setaside of 2.5% ($375,000) will be retained by ARC to provide oversight and repor�ng as required by USDOT. The remaining 2.1% ($310,000) will be used for engagement, outreach and educa�on purposes, as outlined in a later sec�on of this document.

Fast Charging

With the requested funding level, RaceTrac, Inc. intends to install fast chargers at 7 to 10 loca�ons, each having four ports. The map on the following page shows their 80 sta�ons within the Atlanta metro area. A preliminary review by ARC, using considera�ons such as proximity to freeways, exis�ng fast charging sites and disadvantaged communi�es, resulted in 15 sites which are proposed as first priority for considera�on. Of those, seven meet the narrow eligibility requirements of the current NEVI program with respect to being within one mile of a designated Alterna�ve Fuels Corridor. For this reason, the technical analysis presented in this applica�on focuses on those seven loca�ons. However, ARC an�cipates that over �me, addi�onal roadways will be added to the AFC network and the demand for fast chargers will con�nue to increase along arterial highways, hence the logic of iden�fying 15 priority sites for considera�on.

This approach ensures a rela�vely dense network of facili�es within the region to complement the minimum 50-mile spacing of fast charging sites which will be provided under the NEVI program. While that level of spacing may be adequate in a rural area, it is insufficient in a large urban area where traffic volumes would jus�fy sites much more frequently along a travel corridor.

9 | P r o j e c t S u m m a r y

10 | P r o j e c t S u m m a r y

Level 2 Charging

Volta Charging an�cipates providing free Level 2 charging at roughly 75 to 100 loca�ons, each also having four ports. It is possible that once final sites are selected and Level 2 demand is analyzed, some sites could warrant fewer or more ports, but the overall number of sites is expected to remain within this range. The map on the previous page highlights 114 poten�al loca�ons which have already been iden�fied for considera�on, although addi�onal sites may also be inves�gated to ensure all federal priori�es are addressed. The final distribu�on of Level 2 sites will reflect a good geographic diversity across the metro area and determined with considera�on given to where fast chargers are installed under this program, as well as via the statewide NEVI program. Poten�al coverage gaps in areas of lower popula�on density, such as southern Fulton County / southern Douglas County, northern Henry County / western Rockdale County, and southern Cherokee County / northern Fulton County will be given special considera�on during that final review and selec�on process.

Once a funding decision is announced, the number of sites will be established with more certainty. Each site will be evaluated individually to determine those which are first priority for funding.

Because this component of the program will be more community focused, proximity to freeways will not be a primary considera�on. Loca�on with respect to an economically disadvantaged area will be an important factor, but not the sole determinant of priority since the goal will be widespread availability throughout the en�re region. As explained later in this applica�on, a loca�on in close proximity to a disadvantaged community may prove adequate if the residents of that area are already traveling to that des�na�on for their shopping needs and the distances involved are not burdensome. Another important factor will be expanding the availability of charging opportuni�es within por�ons of the region with significant concentra�ons of mul�family housing where drivers may not have dedicated charging ports available onsite.

11 | P r o j e c t S u m m a r y

Safety and Security

Ensuring personal security and safe access and egress between the property and the local roadway network will also be important in the final selec�on process. If awarded funds, ARC will commit to undertaking safety audits of each DC and Level 2 charging priority site beginning in FY 2024 u�lizing Surface Transporta�on Block Grant Program (STBGP) funds for which it has programming authority.

Audits will be conducted following guidelines suggested by the FHWA’s Road Safety Audit Guidelines, which served as the founda�on to the Regional Safety Strategy adopted by ARC in 2023.

The level of STBGP funding required will be established based on the number of sites where infrastructure can be installed under the awarded CFI program funding, with up to $1 million being an amount which will be reasonably available. Match for the federal STBGP funds will be made available either through a separate agreement with private sector partners or from ARC non-federal resources.

Funding for any improvements required as a result of incremental traffic or changes to circula�on paterns directly atributable to the charging infrastructure could derive from some combina�on of addi�onal STBGP resources, state and local government agencies, property owners and other private sector partners. If pre-exis�ng deficiencies are iden�fied at a loca�on, but the charging infrastructure will not significantly improve or further degrade the exis�ng condi�ons, those needs will be addressed through the regular MPO planning process.

How the range of safety and security issues will be addressed at all sites selected for implementa�on under this program is detailed in the Project Merit Criteria sec�on of this applica�on.

12 | P r o j e c t S u m m a r y

Equity in Engagement, Outreach and Educa�on

ARC’s intent is for this grant applica�on to embody the principles of the Biden administra�on's Jus�ce40 ini�a�ve, and to work earnestly and diligently to ensure that 40% of the benefits from federal grants flow to disadvantaged communi�es. ARC currently has a number of efforts advancing concurrently that complement this grant applica�on.

First, ARC has begun work on a Regional Transporta�on Electrifica�on Plan - whose goals are to accelerate equitable adop�on of electric vehicles (EVs), reduce transporta�on-related greenhouse gas emissions, and posi�on the region’s workforce to support resul�ng investments and deployments.

As part of this planning work, ARC will be developing a regional vision for equitable adop�on of electric vehicles and exploring how ARC can translate the Na�onal Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program guidance for charging and fueling infrastructure program into meaningful community benefits to historically unserved communi�es. The Regional Transporta�on Electrifica�on Plan also affords an opportunity to take a deeper look at specific local condi�ons and to conduct an equity analysis that can build a framework and inform an ac�onable strategy with measurable posi�ve outcomes for disadvantaged communi�es.

Another synchronous ac�vity is related to ARC’s update of the MPO Par�cipa�on Plan. It is currently being updated to incorporate recent FHWA public involvement guidance and the clear goals and outcomes ar�culated in the USDOT Equity Ac�on Plan. This is advantageous because ARC is ac�vely developing plans for both equity and electrifica�on. And this CFI grant allows for immediate applica�on of federal equity guidance. This CFI regional grant has fostered great conversa�on about community benefits, workforce development and electrifica�on. The award of the grant would allow ARC to go translate planning into ac�on by enabling the development of a NEVI-inspired workforce development ini�a�ve.

13 | P r o j e c t S u m m a r y

ARC, as both the MPO for the Atlanta Region and the Workforce Development Board for a 7-county region in Atlanta, is in a unique posi�on to marry IIJA investment with workforce development. Considering the private partnerships encouraged by this grant, ARC is poised and ready to tailor a home-grown Atlanta workforce development program in response to NEVI and Jus�ce40, one that can facilitate economic benefits at a regional scale. Crea�on of a well-defined community program to foster business opportuni�es, spark clean energy enterprises, and develop a skilled workforce for the clean energy job pipeline is a top priority of this grant applica�on and well within the auspices of ARC’s purview.

We are commited to bringing diverse stakeholders together and taking a regional approach to solving local problems. By filling the role of convener and regional program administrator, ARC is ready to serve as a central hub for CFI in the Atlanta region – to develop a Regional Electrifica�on Plan, serve as an example of well-rounded and though�ul implementa�on of CFI, elevate the contribu�ons of individual grantees and focus on benefits stemming from the cumula�ve impact of local infrastructure grants. In other words, ARC is well-posi�oned to amplify the economic opportunity presented by development of a regional system of charging and fueling infrastructure and lead efforts to bring Jus�ce40 ini�a�ves to Georgia.

Budget Summary

ARC is reques�ng $8,673,778 of federal funding under the Corridor Program and $6,120,067 million of federal funding under the Community Program. Setasides totaling $513,468 (3.47%) will be used for ARC oversight and repor�ng responsibili�es, as well as engagement, outreach and educa�on ac�vi�es. The en�rety of the engagement setaside will be from the Community Program.

The match on all federal funds will be provided by ARC’s private sector partners and will amount to a total of $19,429,595. With an addi�onal federal funding commitment of $1 million from ARC’s STBGP formula funds, the overall project investment will be approximately $35.2 million.

14 | P r o j e c t S u m m a r y

A more detailed budget breakdown which includes all funding sources iden�fied by project cost item is provided within Atachment ii of this applica�on.

Coordina�on with Electric Service Providers

Throughout the process of preparing this applica�on, and in conjunc�on with ini�a�on of development of a Regional Electrifica�on Plan, ARC staff have held regular discussions with Georgia Power. The company is an investor-owned public u�lity that serves more than 2.7 million customers throughout the state of Georgia. It has expressed strong support for this applica�on and has commited to being an implementa�on partner in whatever form may be required. This support could include providing resources via its Make Ready program, which has funds that can be used for power delivery infrastructure between the main grid and the charging sta�on, including wiring, conduits and transformer upgrades. Georgia Power also financially supports ChargerHelp!, a local disadvantaged business enterprise which provides maintenance and opera�ons services for EV chargers and is staffed by crews trained under programs that emphasize recruitment from within disadvantaged communi�es.

Some of the proposed sta�ons are in loca�ons served by Electric Membership Corpora�ons (EMCs), which are community-focused coopera�ves who deliver energy to members within a defined geography, typically in more suburban and rural por�ons of the state. Volta and RaceTrac have engaged several EMCs which operate within the Atlanta region to advise them of this applica�on and secure their support.

Federal Procurement Requirements

ARC understands that the CFI program uses federal funds and that a fair and open procurement process will s�ll be required. Upon an award announcement, ARC will immediately request addi�onal guidance from USDOT on whether one or both of RaceTrac, Inc. and Volta Charging

15 | P r o j e c t S u m m a r y could be categorized as a subrecipient or contractor and provide implementa�on services under an agreement with ARC. That decision will determine the required the procurement process and guide the scope of any required Request for Proposals (RFP) or Request for Quotes (RFQ). It will also define the contrac�ng language which ARC would u�lize to ensure it complies with all laws and regula�ons, regardless of whether that might be with one or both of these firms or with other en��es yet to be iden�fied. Knowledge of these arrangements will also be valuable for any selected partners, affording them the ability to design and implement the necessary administra�ve pla�orms to sa�sfy all federal repor�ng requirements.

Both RaceTrac, Inc. and Volta Charging understand these procurement requirements and accept that they may not ul�mately be the final partners with whom ARC contracts. The work scope outlined in this applica�on should be understood as a concept which ARC intends to implement across the region, not commitments to engage the services of any specific private sector partners.

Structure of Applica�on

This document serves an overview or summary abstract of the applica�on. Other documents respond directly to the submital requirements as outlined in USDOT’s No�ce of Funding Opportunity. Parallel informa�on is provided separately for both the Corridor and Community components organized within four topic areas: 1) Project Narra�ve; 2) Budget Informa�on;

3)Project Merit Criteria; and 4) Project Readiness and Environmental Risk. A final document rounds out the submital package and includes a comprehensive set of leters of support and commitment from a wide variety of en��es with whom ARC intends to coordinate throughout the project’s implementa�on.