QUESTION
Council Member Bottcher Inquires About RFP Process for Shore Power, Timelines, Funding, and Coordination
1:08:17
·
4 min
Council Member Erik Bottcher probes into the Request for Proposals (RFP) process for shore power implementation at NYC cruise terminals. The discussion unveils the steps post-feasibility study, including funding source identification, coordination with stakeholders like the Army Corps of Engineers and Ports America, and the multiyear nature of such projects. The conversation highlights complexities in coordinating funding, stakeholder engagement, and necessary infrastructure upgrades to advance toward shore power electrification.
Speaker 3
1:08:17
Let's let's say that the feasibility study wraps up this summer.
1:08:24
For example.
1:08:25
And let's say that Con Edison in its load assessment finds that a substation would not need to be added.
1:08:36
When, from that point, would we expect to see an RFP put out potentially?
Speaker 7
1:08:47
I'm always concerned to I know.
1:08:50
Speak in generalities, and I I totally
Speaker 3
1:08:52
How long do these generally take RFP?
1:08:56
To prepare RFPs.
Speaker 7
1:08:57
Once we have the feasibility study, we would move quite quickly.
1:09:01
I mean, the first piece before the RFP is identifying the funding source.
1:09:05
So we would be working closely with your office, with the council, with with the city to identify the city capital that will be needed to be able to implement.
1:09:18
Once we have security in that field, the RFP process, can happen, you know, rather expedite it as as we'd like it.
1:09:26
I mean, President Kimbell has been clear.
1:09:28
This is a top priority, and so this would be fast tracked.
1:09:31
But the capital planning portion would be the immediate next step is identifying those sources.
Speaker 3
1:09:37
So let's say that in next year's during the budget negotiations, we get a commitment that in the FY 27 budget, would it be, that we have the capital funds for this.
1:09:56
So we put out an RFP next spring.
1:10:04
How long would that RFP be out?
Speaker 7
1:10:09
Typically and and I I again, the the just speaking in generalities, I mean, From your lips to God's ears, I hope that all of that works out.
1:10:21
I would say anywhere between a 3 to 6 month process to be able to draft the RFP release and allow 3 months for us to bid out the project, publicly procure the project, Once the city capital or the project is fully invested, we would then be able to start engaging with the ex birds that are gonna be required.
1:10:42
The other element I just wanna highlight here is we don't do this in a vacuum.
1:10:47
This has significant coordination with additional partners.
1:10:52
So the Army Corps of Engineers is very involved here.
1:10:56
DEC is very involved here.
1:10:58
We need to work with Ports America.
1:11:01
And so it it is Park.
1:11:03
Yes.
1:11:03
Correct.
1:11:03
Hudson River Park Trust is is another critical stakeholder as is the community and your office.
1:11:09
And so we would need to all work together towards those those timelines.
Speaker 3
1:11:14
So the the project is, let's say, it's fully funded in the FY 26th budget.
1:11:20
We're in the middle of next year.
1:11:24
An RFP goes out middle of next year.
1:11:28
The responses come in at the end of next year, 2025.
1:11:37
Construction starts in 2026.
Speaker 7
1:11:41
At this point as much as I want to.
1:11:44
What I can say is, if all the stars align, we're able to get what we need, Our goal is to issue and begin the which is why we conducted this feasibility study and we're concluding it is to get shovels in the ground as soon as possible.
1:12:05
That's that's as much as as I can say right now.
Speaker 3
1:12:09
These are our multiyear capital projects once shovels get in the ground.
Speaker 7
1:12:14
Absolutely.
1:12:15
It is very conditional.
1:12:16
Meaning, as I'm sure all of you know, our waterfront is aging.
1:12:22
It requires significant investment.
1:12:25
And we we have to do this in considering all of the substructure that's in place.
1:12:32
Make sure we're doing it the right way.
1:12:33
So, yes, these are multiyear and very intensive and complicated projects that would be underway to enable the terminals with shore power.
1:12:44
And it deserves it.
Speaker 3
1:12:47
Right.
1:12:47
Under the best of circumstances, the best case scenario, We really are talking about years before these ships are plugged in to shore power.