Subject:
Title
Emergency Watershed Protection program grant agreement with the Natural Resources Conservation Service for restoration and stabilization for various channels throughout unincorporated County.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval of the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program grant agreement with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) for restoration and stabilization (Project) of various channels throughout unincorporated County.
• EWP is a federal emergency recovery program assisting communities in recovering from natural disasters.
• Application to NRCS for EWP was submitted on November 14, 2024.
• Funding in amount of $29,442,604.40 will assist with recovery from impacts of Hurricane Milton, specifically, bank restoration and stabilization of Curlew Creek, Jerry Branch, Bee Branch, Channel R, and Joe’s Creek.
• Channel stabilization due to Hurricane Milton impacts are captured under Milton CIP Projects, project 90019B4, an emergency project.
• This project is fully grant-funded, with no County match requirement. Because the grant has not yet been budgeted, a budget amendment recognizing the NRCS grant revenue will be brought forward at a later date.
NRCS has approved the County for a total amount of $29,442,604.40, which covers 100% of construction costs, not to exceed $26,766,004.00, and construction-related technical services calculated at 10% of the construction cost, not to exceed $2,676,600.40; No match is required; Agreement term ends June 1, 2028.
Per NRCS, the signature must be an ink signature that is scanned or an electronic signature with the appropriate certificate such as Adobe credentialed signature or Docusign signature; Authorize the Chairman to sign and Clerk of the Circuit Court to attest.
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Strategic Priorities:
Resilient Infrastructure and Environment
1.2 Maintain and enhance County infrastructure.
1.4 Improve environmental quality.
Healthy and Safe Communities
2.2 Enhance community safety.
Summary:
Summary
The County made application to NRCS on November 14, 2024 with a request for assistance in recovery efforts associated with local watersheds impacted by Hurricane Milton on October 9, 2024. NRCS approved the County for a total amount of $29,442,604.40, which covers 100% of construction costs not to exceed $26,766,004.00, and 10% of construction-related technical services not to exceed $2,676,600.40. The County will leverage funding to restore and stabilize portions of Curlew Creek, Jerry Branch, Bee Branch, Channel R, and Joe’s Creek where appropriate land rights are available.
As a result of the Presidential Disaster Declaration for Hurricane Milton, the County realized an influx of damaged and eroded banks within Curlew Creek, Joe’s Creek, Smith Bayou, and South Creek. If left unresolved further destabilization and erosion can occur causing damage to infrastructure and upstream flooding.
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Background Information:
The NRCS EWP Program works in coordination with FEMA for local recovery efforts after a natural disaster. The EWP Program application began with the submission of a letter signed by the County Administrator, which included the nature, location, and scope of the program for which assistance is requested.
Fiscal Impact:
NRCS has approved the County for an amount of $29,442,604.40 which covers 100% of construction costs, not to exceed $26,766,004.00, and funding for technical services calculated at 10% of the construction cost, not to exceed $2,676,600.40. No match is required.
Channel stabilization due to Hurricane Milton impacts are captured under Milton CIP Projects, project 90019B4, an emergency project. Funding for these projects will be made available from General Fund reserves and eligible costs will be offset with reimbursement through the NRCS grant agreement.
No match requirement; An amendment to recognize the NRCS grant revenue will be brought forward at a later date.
Staff Member Responsible:
Kelli Hammer Levy, Director, Public Works
Partners:
NRCS
Attachments:
Grant Agreement
USDA General Terms and Conditions
MIL-PIN-002
MIL-PIN-003
MIL-PIN-004
MIL-PIN-005
MIL-PIN-006
MIL-PIN-007
Resolution 06-70