Subject:
Title
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program application with the Florida Division of Emergency Management for the replacement and hardening of span wire supported traffic signals with mast arm traffic signals.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval to grant the County Administrator authority to sign the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program application with the Florida Division of Emergency Management for the replacement and hardening of span wire supported traffic signals with mast arm traffic signals.
• Grant funding will support the hardening of span wire supported traffic signals with mast arm traffic signals at nine intersections located on major evacuation routes.
• The grant is made available as a result of the Presidential Disaster Declaration for the COVID-19 Pandemic (FEMA-4486-DR-FL).
• Requested grant funding is $4,387,500.00 (75%); anticipated County match is $1,462,500.00 (25%). The local match will be proposed for funding in the Fiscal Year 2024 Capital Improvement Program.
• The County Administrator to sign the grant application on behalf of the Board Chair to allow the County time to finalize the application and meet the submittal deadline of December 21, 2021.
PID No. 004152A; Project cost is approximately $5,850,000.00, with anticipated grant funding received amount $4,387,500.00.
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Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.1 Provide planning, coordination, prevention, and protective services to ensure a safe and secure community
Foster Continual Economic Growth and Vitality
4.4 Invest in infrastructure to meet current and future needs
4.5 Provide safe and effective transportation systems to support the efficient flow of motorists, commerce, and regional connectivity
Summary:
Summary
The purpose of this grant application is to provide funding for hardening of traffic signal infrastructure to reduce risk from potential future hazards. Nine (9) existing span wire supported traffic signals will be replaced with mast arm traffic signals made of galvanized steel. The selected intersections are located on major evacuation routes. Right-of-way concerns at these locations has been addressed.
The total cost of the project is approximately $5,850,000.00, at an estimated cost of $650,000.00 per intersection for construction. Upon approval, the Public Works Transportation Division will electronically submit the Application requesting HMGP funding in the amount of $4,387,500.00 (75%). The County will be required to provide an anticipated local match of $1,462,500.00 (25%). This will be proposed as part of the Fiscal Year 2024 Capital Improvement Program.
Upon Board approval to apply, the County Administrator is requested to sign the grant application on behalf of the Board Chair to allow staff time to finalize the application details and meet the submittal deadline of December 21, 2021.
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Background Information:
The County was allocated $6.3 million in HMGP Funding as a result of the Presidential Disaster Declaration for the COVID-19 Pandemic (FEMA-4486-DR-FL). The grant process is directed through the County’s Local Mitigation Strategy (LMS) Committee. Projects are ranked and selected by LMS prior to beginning the grant application process. The cost-share fluctuates based on how the project is ranked. Projects are anticipated to receive 75% federal funding and require at least a 25% County match.
This project is a countywide benefit. The mast arms will provide a more resilient infrastructure that is less likely to go out of service during storm events, reducing risk to public safety. Traffic signals hung by span wire are susceptible to damage or falling due to strong wind. The fall of span wire results in traffic signals becoming inoperable and potentially blocking vehicle access on the road. Mast arm signals in place of span wire will allow for the roads to remain open and for emergency personnel to have better access to support citizen needs as well as reduce future maintenance and repair costs.
Fiscal Impact:
The total cost of the project is approximately $5,850,000.00. Requested HMGP funding is $4,387,500.00 (75%); anticipated County match is $1,462,500.00 (25%). The local match will be proposed for funding in the Fiscal Year 2024 Capital Improvement Program.
Staff Member Responsible:
Kelli Hammer Levy, Director, Public Works
Partners:
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Florida Division of Emergency Management
Local Mitigation Strategy Committee
Attachments:
Application Details
Project Scoring Sheet_Pinellas Transportation Mast Arms
Local Mitigation Strategy Intent to Apply - COVID-19 DR-4486 - 11-3-2021_Pinellas Transportation
Timeline - Pinellas Co HMGP COVID-19 11-3-2021