Subject:
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Grant Funding Agreement with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for Biological Debris Removal associated with red tide or other nuisance marine algae.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the Grant Funding Agreement with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) for Biological Debris Removal associated with red tide or other nuisance marine algae.
• FDEP Grant provides funding in the amount of $100,000.00.
• Services include removal, cleanup, elimination, transportation, and disposal of biological debris associated with red tide or other nuisance marine algae events.
• Grant application was not a requirement. FDEP encouraged Counties to enter into an agreement proactively in case an event were to occur.
• No matching funds are required.
• Funding for this grant has not been included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 or FY27 budget and a budget amendment will likely be requested upon grant award.
FDEP Contract No. RT029; funding in the amount of $100,000.00; Agreement term through February 28, 2027.
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Strategic Priorities:
Resilient Infrastructure and Environment
1.4 Improve environmental quality.
Healthy and Safe Communities
2.1 Improve public health.
Summary:
The Florida Legislature provided specific appropriations to the FDEP for a red tide emergency grant program to support county governments in cleanup of biological debris to minimize the impacts of red tide to residents and visitors. FDEP’s intention is to execute agreements annually with county governments at a base amount set by the Department until such time documentation is provided showing biological debris contamination associated with a red tide or other nuisance marine algae event. The base amount for FY27 is $100,000.00.
Once documentation is received about a specific event and FDEP approval is issued, county governments have 45 days to submit a revised, detailed scope of work and budget for the biological debris removal.
Background/Explanation:
FDEP has identified an opportunity to minimize delays in supporting red tide or other nuisance marine algae cleanup by executing agreements with local county governments, prior to the occurrence of an event. If no red tide or other nuisance marine algae events occur, the FDEP amend the agreement to continue for another year.
Fiscal Impact:
Agreement is for $100,000.00. There is no match required. This is a single year grant potentially affecting FY 2027. A full analysis of the total project budget will be completed at that time if necessary.
Funding for this grant has not been included in the FY26 or FY27 budget and a budget amendment will likely be requested upon grant award.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this Agreement granted under Code Section 2-62 (a)(1).
Staff Member Responsible:
Kelli Hammer Levy, Director, Public Works
Partners:
FDEP
Attachments:
Agreement including Attachments 1-5 and Exhibits A and C
Public Works Director Memorandum
OMB Intent to Apply