Bainbridge Island is going to have to increase spending dramatically if it wants to meet Climate Action Plan goals.
A study to be shown at the City Council meeting shows the 2024 budget at $180,000. One option in the study says $10 million would need to be spent to reach 100% electrification by 2038.
At the meeting, the council also will receive updates on ferry electrification and the Highway 305 at High School Road roundabout.
The council will learn about its electrification strategy study. The report assesses BI’s electric vehicle and charging needs, and a strategy for investments. Almost 70% of the fleet is eligible for electrification, including: dump, boom and pickup trucks; tractor-mower; backhoe; sewer cleaner; loader; and more.
Widely available as EVs are: motorcycles, sedans, SUVs, vans and light-duty trucks. Prototypes of other EVs are available in Europe and Australia, but are not expected to be in the U.S. until 2029.
The city’s Climate Action Plan set a goal of the city’s fleet being 75% electric and the rest biofuels by 2025. Cost is 2023 dollars would be $19.4 million. Charging infrastructure would cost $2.8 million at the two lots at Public Works; $1.25 million at the Ted Spearman Justice Center; and $750,000 at City Hall.
Different plans include: spending $10 million in 2024-25 while the current 2024 budget is just $180,000 reaching 100% electrification by 2038; typical spending would mean 75% electrification by 2038; increased spending doubles spending on vehicles and replaces 6% of fleet ahead of schedule reaching 75% by 2035; and invest for climate replaces 24% ahead of fleet ahead of schedule hitting 75% by 2031. The draft recommendation is for the increased spending option. The slide show says leasing would be one way to cut costs.
Ferries
Regarding electrification of ferries, there will be 16 terminals, six vessels will be converted, and there will be 16 new vessels.
BI ferry terminal electrification is set for 2028, Bremerton 2029 and Kingston to be determined. DOT says it will have no effect on city service. There will be a dedicated power line from the Murden Cove Substation to the terminal that can be halted during peak demand. The hybrid ferries can run on diesel if power is interrupted. Vessels will have a 20-minute charging window so there should be no impacts to ferry service. Construction would run from 2026-28.
DOT has been meeting regarding the Highway 305-High School Road interchange for six months will other agencies on improvements such as: increased traffic control to six days a week in summer; markings on roads; and signal timing. Planned improvements include: signage; remove right-turn lane from Winslow Way to ferry; and line-cutting measures.
Roundabout
A state Department of Transportation PowerPoint shows that intersection is a priority for state funds because of the number and severity of crashes. A chart shows from 2015-2020 there were 29 crashes there-one fatal and three with serious injuries. The causes were following too close, disregarding traffic signal and inattention.
Reasons for a roundabout there include: improve flow of traffic; slow down traffic; prioritize pedestrian crossings; minimize conflict points; and reduce injury and fatal crashes 78% and pedestrian accidents by 40%. Local examples include: a traffic signal at West Port Madison would have 21 times more delay than a roundabout; there would be four times less delay at Adas Will with a roundabout; and the westbound backup would with 90 feet rather than 1,300 feet at Johnson Road with a roundabout.
Construction would begin in spring of 2027.
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