Stormwater management has been identified as a critical component of hazard mitigation plans across the Centralina region and beyond. Natural and manmade disruptions will continue to emerge, threatening the health, safety, and economic vitality of our communities.
The Centralina Clean Fuels Coalition (CCFC) is the designated Clean Cities Coalition for the greater Charlotte region through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). This year saw CCFC redouble our efforts through a variety of innovative, collaborative projects. As 2022 draws to a close, letâs look back at the top five successes for clean, equitable transportation across the region over the last year.
In March 2022, Centralina awarded the Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) Electric Vehicle (EV) Bus Fleet the Clean Cities Award. The CLT EV Bus Fleet provides sustainable solutions to employees, tenants, passengers, the local community and region.
The Centralina Economic Development District (EDD) partnered with Centralina Regional Council and the nine-county emergency management (EM) directors to launch the Regional Resilience Collaborative (RRC) in April 2021. The RRC program examines the viability and resiliency of EM disaster recovery plans and economic resilience needs to ensure the region benefits from greater efficiency in responding to current and future natural and man-made disasters and economic shocks.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and other federal and state funding programs are bringing unprecedented transportation and electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure funding to North Carolina. As a result, EV infrastructure planning is top of mind for many Centralina communities. To assist our member communities in tracking the variety of funding programs available and capitalizing on these historic opportunities, the Centralina Clean Fuels Coalition has developed resources that support these planning and funding activities on a regional level.
MacLeod Construction is a concrete and construction company with a penchant for progress. Customers are served by MacLeodâs concrete flatwork, poured walls, foundations and most recently, its ready-mix supplies. Increasing demand for concrete and construction services coupled with industry investments and government incentives has allowed MacLeod to capitalize on alternative fuel vehicles such as compressed natural gas vehicles.
Does Our Region Have an EV Infrastructure Plan? There is a flood of transportation-related funding coming to North Carolina thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). To assist our member communities, Centralina is developing resources that support planning and funding activities on a regional level. We are also working with the NCDOT to update state EV plans, such as the 2019 zero-emission vehicle plan, as mandated under the federal BIL and NC Executive Order 246.
On Thursday, Feb. 24th Centralina, along with project partners UNC Charlotte, the City of Charlotte and Duke Energy, unveiled the PoleVolt electric vehicle charging station at the Ritz at Washington Heights. The one-year pilot project is the culmination of a three-year collaboration between government, business, research and community.
Centralina Regional Council and the Centralina Economic Development District (EDD) recently hosted the Regional Recovery Summit. The Summit was the first of three fall virtual workshops that will be held by the Regional Resilience Collaborative. Started by Centralina Regional Council and the Centralina EDD, the Collaborative will assess the viability and resiliency of emergency management plans and coordinate resources so the region can pursue greater efficiency in responding to current and future natural and man-made disasters. âItâs vital to know how we recover from these disruptions in a way that moves our communities forward and leverages the strengths of government and non-government partners,â said Geraldine Gardner, Executive Director of Centralina Regional Council.
In May 2021, Centralina Regional Council held its annual Region of Excellence Awards ceremony to recognize important achievements in the areas of cross-community collaboration, local government innovation, leadership and improvements to quality of life, clean fuels and older adult advocacy. The Clean Cities Award was presented to the Charlotte Department of Transportation for implementing fleet improvements as part of the Strategic Energy Action Plan.