Subject:
Title
Grant application with the United States Environmental Protection Agency for air monitoring grants under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the grant application with the United States Environmental Protection (EPA) Agency for air monitoring grants under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022.
• County Administrator’s signature is required on Certification Regarding Lobbying Form and the Pre-Award Compliance Review Report.
• Grant application deadline submittal is April 8, 2024.
• Funding will support maintaining, operating, or upgrading existing monitoring activities and stations.
• This application requests $515,000.00 in support of the County’s existing activities under the Clean Air Act Section 103 and Section 105. Funding is consistent with the FY24 Adopted budget and will need to be included in the FY25 Request and future budgets through FY29. There are no expenses expected to occur in FY24. The EPA agrees to reimburse 100% of approved costs with no County match required.
Grant Case 8:23-cv-1518-KKM-AEP; Grant application in the amount of $515,000.00; Estimated project period July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2029.
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Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.1 Provide planning, coordination, prevention, and protection services to ensure a safe and secure community
Practice Superior Environmental Stewardship
3.3 Protect and improve the quality of our water, air, and other natural resources
Summary:
Grant Application is to supplement annual funding in support of activities under the CAA Section 103 and Section 105. Over forty percent (40%) of the funds will be used to support a variety of air monitoring activities that will assist the EPA to accelerate environmental justice in communities overburdened by pollution through its IRA investments. The replacement of five (5) existing air monitoring shelters and eligible air monitoring equipment will ensure and increase the sustainability of the existing ambient air quality monitoring network in Pinellas County. Air sensors will be purchased, and their utilization will be focused on identifying potential environmental issues in disadvantaged communities. Air monitoring-related training courses will be provided to staff to help ensure continued high quality data collection and network operation.
Background/Explanation:
The County’s Air Program is recognized by the EPA and the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) as an approved local air pollution control program eligible to receive federal grant funding. The County has the authority, through prior agreements, to protect air quality through the implementation of federal and state air pollution rules and regulations.
Fiscal Impact:
Funding request is $515,000.00 for the project period July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2029. The Grant provides 100% reimbursement of eligible costs. No County match is required. The funding is derived from the PW Air Quality General Fund operating budget for FY 2024 through FY 2029. An adjustment is required for the FY25 Budget Request to include this funding. There are no expected expenses to incur in FY24.
Fund source of the $515,000.00 is Environmental Management’s Air Quality operating budgets for FY 2024 through FY 2029. Receipt of Award is anticipated in FY 2024 with expenses encumbered in FY 2025. The Grant provides 100% reimbursement of eligible costs.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this Grant Application is granted under Code Section 2-62(a)(4).
Staff Member Responsible:
Kelli Hammer Levy, Director, Public Works
Partners:
EPA
Attachments:
Certification Regarding Lobbying
Pre-Award Compliance Report
Public Works Approval Memo
Grant Application
Intent to Apply