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City of Missoula, Montana Item to be Referred to City Council Committee Committee: Public Safety & Health Item: Update on EPA grant to install 34 auxiliary power units in Montana Rail Link train engines Date: June 24, 2010 Prepared by: Dave Strohmaier Initiated by: Dave Strohmaier Action Required: No action. Update from OPG, Missoula City-County Health Department, and Montana Rail Link (MRL) regarding the recently awarded EPA grant to install auxiliary power units in MRL engines. Recommended Motion: None Timeline: Referral to committee: 6/24/10 Committee discussion: 7/7/10 Background and Alternatives Explored: The Missoula Metropolitan Planning Organization was recently award a $1.13 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to outfit 34 Montana Rail Link (MRL) trains with small, efficient back-up power engines. These Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) run in place of the main engine while the train is idling. Using the APUs keeps the essential functions of the engine warm but produces over 90 percent fewer emissions than the main engine. This discussion will provide an opportunity to hear from city staff and/or MRL officials regarding implementation of this grant. Financial Implications: N/A Attachments: Press Release