The Colorado Energy Office (CEO) announced Friday (Aug 25) the launch of its new Community Accelerated Mobility Project (CAMP) grant program. With funding from the Community Access Enterprise (CAE), CAMP grants will support Colorado communities in developing and implementing electric mobility projects.
Electric mobility refers to any type of transportation that relies partially or completely on electricity to power it. Community electric mobility projects include electric car share, electric vanpool, e-bike share, and other programs. The first application round for the CAMP program will open on Monday, August 28, 2023.
"Supporting shared, affordable, zero-emission transportation resources in communities across the state will reduce reliance on privately-owned vehicles, increase access to electric mobility options, and improve air quality," said CEO Program Manager Ed Piersa. "With transportation as a leading contributor of greenhouse gas and other harmful air pollution in Colorado, improving access to clean transportation options for all Coloradans is essential to meet our climate and air quality goals."
The CAE supports and incentivizes the widespread adoption of electric vehicles and other zero-emission transportation options, while also investing in equitable access to transportation infrastructure. CAMP is a new program offering based on the Community Access Enterprise Ten-Year Plan, which was finalized in May 2022.
Stakeholder feedback during the development of the CAE's Ten-Year Plan indicated a need for financial support in developing community-informed plans and conducting outreach to maximize the benefits of community-based electric mobility projects. Based on this response, CEO will award CAMP grants in two phases: Phase 1 technical readiness planning grants and Phase 2 implementation grants. The application round opening on Monday is for Phase 1 grants.
These technical readiness planning grants will help remove barriers for applicants by providing planning resources for community mobility projects. Eligible applicants may use Phase 1 grant funding to increase capacity to develop a technical readiness plan and conduct community outreach. CEO expects to award approximately $300,000 total during the first round of Phase 1 applications, with an additional Phase 1 funding round opening in 2024. Applications for Phase 2 implementation grants will launch in early 2024. CEO anticipates ongoing, annual funding for both Phase 1 and Phase 2 CAMP grants beyond 2024.
Local governments, Tribal governments, community-based organizations, and nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply as lead applicants. CEO strongly encourages lead applicants to partner with technical experts, community organizations, and others to develop CAMP-funded projects that adequately address community mobility needs.
To ensure that funding from this program benefits the Coloradans with the highest exposure to air pollution from transportation and the least access to electric mobility options, CEO will prioritize funding for projects that are located in disproportionately impacted communities and/or demonstrate a strong equity focus.
Additional information and application materials will be available on the CAMP Program website on August 28, 2023. The first application round for Phase 1 CAMP grant funding will close on October 27, 2023 at 5:00 PM MT.
Contact
Office of Governor Jared Polis
Ari Rosenblum ari.rosenblum@state.co.us (720) 910-1190
