City of Alexandria, Virginia
________________
MEMORANDUM
DATE: SEPTEMBER 16, 2026
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER
FROM: JEREMY MCPIKE, DIRECTOR, GENERAL SERVICES
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of a Retroactive Grant Application to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Acceptance of a Grant Award to Fund the Energy Self-Sufficient Emergency Shelter System.
BODY
_________________________________________________________________
ISSUE: Council consideration of a retroactive grant application to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Weather Service (NWS) Special Project Earmarks, and acceptance of a grant award of $1,031,000 to fund the Energy Self-Sufficient Emergency Shelter System (Project).
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
1. Retroactively approve submission of a grant application to NOAA for the FY 2026 NWS Special Project Earmarks;
2. Accept a grant, in the amount of $1,031,000 when awarded from NOAA; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents that may be required.
BACKGROUND: In May 2025, City Council adopted Resolution No. 3293, supporting City Emergency Shelter Resiliency as part of the FY 2026 Congressional Community Project Funding process. In 2026, the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026 listed the City of Alexandria Energy Self-Sufficient Emergency Shelter System, as one of ten NOAA Special Projects in the Disclosure or Earmarks and Congressionally Directed Spending Items. Of the approximately $9.3M available for funding across the ten special projects, $1.031M in non-competitive grant funds were made available for the City Energy Self-Sufficient Emergency Shelter System. Due to timing, the City Manager provided authorization for the submission of the grant application. A local funding match is not required as part of this award.
The Department of General Services (DGS) and Office of Climate Action anticipate the Project will install solar panels and/or battery backup at either the William Ramsay or Oswald Durant Recreation Centers. Site selection will include evaluation of the costs, efficacy of installation, and community need. The Project is in coordination with other efforts by DGS and the Office of Emergency Management to improve the City’s backup generation needs at emergency shelters.
DISCUSSION: The William Ramsay Recreation Center, located at 5650 Sanger Avenue was identified as an ideal candidate for solar panels as the facility serves a large population of the City with high potential sheltering needs. Furthermore, the Ramsay Recreation Center’s roof has been recently replaced and is capable of supporting solar photovoltaic panels.
The Oswald Durant Recreation Center, located at 1605 Cameron Street is another ideal candidate as its roof is scheduled to be replaced in the near future and is uniquely positioned to qualify for Federal incentives due to its location near the former coal plant and the decommissioned Potomac River Generating Station.
Grant applications were due July 6, 2026. At this time, the City is requesting retroactive approval for the submission of the grant application for the Project and authorization for the City Manager, or their designee, to execute all necessary documents that may be required.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact as Congressional earmarks do not require a local match. The total grant amount is $1,031,000.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: Signed City Council Resolution No. 3293
Attachment 2: City Manager Grant Application Authorization Memorandum
STAFF:
Emily A. Baker, Deputy City Manager
Ryan Freed, Climate Action Officer, Climate Action Office
Jenine Kotob, Assistant Director, General Services
Alfred Coleman, Deputy Director, General Services