Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution of support for the selection of Railhead Energy Resiliency as the FY 2024 Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant (DEAAG) project.
Summary
DATE: September 19, 2023
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Kent Cagle, City Manager
SUBJECT: FY 2024 Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant (DEAAG) Project
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
At the September 7, 2023 DEAAG Review Board Meeting, the board selected the Railhead Energy Resiliency which converts one of the six Fort Cavazos’ diesel locomotive switch engines to an electric locomotive switch engine for Fort Cavazos’ Rail Operations Center improving deployment rail operations, reducing operational costs, and providing back-up power for rail operations as the proposed FY 2024 DEAAG project.
This project improves capability by converting Fort Cavazos’ one diesel switch engine to an electric engine with lithium-ion batteries for increased availability while reducing operations cost by 60% and reducing maintenance cost by 40%. The lithium-ion batteries provide 2.4MW of battery storage that will provide emergency back-up power in the event of a power loss at the railhead. This capability would be especially critical during deployment operations to maintain continued flow of equipment and forces while providing a hedge against power loss from extreme weather or adversary attacks on the electrical infrastructure.
Fort Cavazos is home to the Army’s only Armored Corps and 27% of the active-duty armored brigades along with multiple enabling brigades. As a power projection platform, Fort Cavazos must be able to rapidly deploy and mobilize units. Fort Cavazos is one of two Army Mobilization Force Generating Installations that mobilize and deploy all Army Reserve and National Guard units. Since 2002, the installation deployed over 1.2 million Soldiers and averages 5,737 Soldiers deployed monthly. Consequently, Fort Cavazos is #2 in rail traffic volume for Army installations in the US.
The selection of this Railhead Energy Resiliency Project will significantly enhance Fort Cavazos’ military value. It improves the installation’s deployment operations through refurbishment of a diesel locomotive to electric power. It improves effectiveness and efficiency by reducing maintenance and operations costs for rail operations. It also improves rail operations resiliency by ensuring continuous operations with a 2.4MW battery storage in the event of power interruptions.
Fort Cavazos is one of only two Army installations rated as unique “strategic Power Projection Platforms.”
Fort Cavazos has endorsed moving forward with the Railhead Energy Resiliency Project.
The Railhead Resiliency Project has a total cost of $12.3M ($7.3M local cost share & $5M DEAAG). Local Cost Share will be covered by Fort Cavazos for this project. The City of Harker Heights as the Project Sponsor will have in kind costs for the project. All other local communities are asked to submit a resolution of support from each City Council.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
1. Do not approve a resolution of support for the FY 2024 DEAAG Project - Railhead Energy Resiliency.
2. Approve a resolution of support for the FY 2024 DEAAG Project - Railhead Energy Resiliency.
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
Alternative two is recommended.
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
This item conforms to state and local law.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
N/A
Is this a one-time or recurring expenditure?
N/A
Is this expenditure budgeted?
N/A
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this expenditure?
N/A
RECOMMENDATION:
City Staff recommends the approval of a resolution of support for the selection of Railhead Energy Resiliency as the FY 2024 DEAAG Project.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
Legal
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Resolution of Support