Subject:
Title
Grant agreement with the United States Environmental Protection Agency for Air Monitoring Grants Under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval by the County Administrator of grant agreement with the United States Environmental Protection (US EPA) Agency for Air Monitoring Grants Under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
• Funding provides $515,000.00 in support of the County’s existing activities under the Clean Air Act Section 103 and Section 105.
• Funds are to sustain existing ambient air quality monitoring network by replacing multiple pieces of aging equipment and air monitoring shelters, acquiring new sensors, and attending training activities.
• Signature is not required on the agreement.
• The funding associated with this grant was not anticipated during the development of the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget. If this grant is approved, a budget amendment will likely be proposed to appropriate these funds and provide expenditure authority.
Agreement 5T-03D14924-0; funding in the amount of $515,000.00; Project funding term July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2029.
Body
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:
The purpose of this Agreement is to supplement annual funding in support of activities under the CAA Section 103 and Section 105. This project supports the goal of the Justice 40 Initiative to ensure that “40 percent of the overall benefits of certain Federal
investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution.” The replacement of five existing air monitoring shelters and eligible air monitoring equipment will ensure and increase the sustainability of the existing ambient air quality monitoring network in the 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 US 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 provides $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.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to approve this Agreement is granted under Code Section 2-62 (a)(1).
Staff Member Responsible:
Kelli Hammer Levy, Director, Public Works
Partners:
US EPA
Attachments:
Agreement
Grant Terms and Conditions
Agreement Correspondence
Grant Application