Public Works Committee July 17, 2025

The Tumwater, WA City Public Works Committee met on July 17, 2025, to review and formally close out two major grant-funded projects related to the city's sustainability and climate mitigation efforts. The first project involved the installation of electric vehicle (EV) chargers to support the city fleet's transition to zero-emission vehicles, originally funded by a $78,000 grant. Despite changes in project scope, including relocation of chargers and increased costs due to additional trenching and meter installations, the project was completed close to the original budget with increased city match funding. The committee discussed operational details such as security measures for the chargers and plans to restrict usage to fleet vehicles. The second project was a solar plus storage feasibility assessment for the main and north end fire stations, aimed at reducing electricity costs and increasing resiliency during power outages. The assessment produced shovel-ready designs for photovoltaic arrays paired with battery energy storage systems, with estimated annual savings and emergency power capabilities. The committee discussed the need for grant funding to support construction, noting the city's active pursuit of state Climate Commitment Act funds and other opportunities. No formal votes were recorded during the meeting, which primarily served as an informational update on these sustainability initiatives and their procurement and budget implications.