Subject:
Title
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program application with the Florida Division of Emergency Management for the replacement of ten emergency backup power generators to critical pump stations.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval of the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program application with the Florida Division of Emergency Management for the replacement of ten emergency backup power generators to critical pump stations.
• Funding will support replacing ten emergency backup power generators to critical pump stations, including any necessary electrical upgrades to limit the damage caused by loss of power.
• Total requested grant funding is $2,250,000.00. County match is $750,000.00.
• Grant application submission deadline is May 21, 2025.
• Grant applications are electronic submission and require executed Authorizing Agent Approval forms uploaded at time of application (see attachments).
• The County match is budgeted under Pump Station Generator Improvements Project 003762A, included in the Fiscal Year 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Plan, funded by the Sewer Renewal and Replacement Fund and Future Financing in the amount of $11,580,000.00.
Requested grant amount is $2,250,000.00. County match is $750,000.00.
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Strategic Priorities:
Resilient Infrastructure and Environment
1.2 Maintain and enhance County infrastructure
1.5 Strengthen resilience and adaptation
1.6 Ensure sustainable water management
Healthy and Safe Communities
2.1 Improve public health
Summary:
Summary
This HMGP application seeks funding to replace ten emergency backup power generators to critical pump stations, including any necessary electrical upgrades to limit the damage caused by loss of power. Replacing the existing generators, which have reached the end of their useful life, reduces the likelihood of failure when power is unavailable. The advantage of having wastewater pump stations on generators is that they also address power grid vulnerability due to lightning from frequent storms. The installation of backup emergency generators at critical pump station locations is essential to mitigate the effects of natural hazards impacting Pinellas. Generators ensure continuity in the power supply during localized hazards. Wastewater services are vital for the public, and maintaining these systems is crucial, as failures could lead to sanitary sewer overflows. The release of untreated sewage poses a threat to public health and the surrounding environment.
Anticipated HMGP funding is $2,250,000. Upon Board of County Commissioners approval and signature, staff will electronically submit the application. In the event this Grant, related to Hurricane Debby is not awarded to the County, there may be consideration of submitting this project request for a future HMGP opportunity.
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Background Information:
The proposed project directly aligns with the following goals outlined in the County’s 2020 LMS Plan: Goal 1: Become a more disaster resilient community; Goal 2: Minimize coastal flooding losses in the CHHA (Coastal High Hazard Area), Coastal Storm Area and Hurricane Vulnerability Zone; Goal 3: Minimize flooding losses in the 25, 50, and 100-year flood zone; Goal 4: Minimize Storm Wind Losses in the County.
The grant process is directed through the County’s Local Mitigation Strategy (LMS) Working Group. Projects are ranked and selected by the LMS Working Group to receive an endorsement letter for submission with an application to the State of Florida Division of Emergency Management.
Fiscal Impact:
Requested grant funding is $2,250,000.00 (75%). Anticipated County match is $750,000.00 (25%).
The County match is budgeted under Pump Station Generator Improvements Project 003762A, included in the FY25-FY30 Capital Improvement Plan, funded by the Sewer Renewal and Replacement Fund and Future Financing in the amount of $11,580,000.00.
Sewer Funds - $4,650,000
Future Financing - $6,930,000
Staff Member Responsible:
Jeremy Waugh, Director, Utilities
Partners:
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM)
Local Mitigation Strategy Working Group (LMS)
Attachments:
Authorizing Agent Approval Form - Utilities Pump Station Generators
LMSWG Intent to Apply Form - Utilities Pump Station Generators
Project Scoring Sheet - Utilities Pump Station Generators
OMB Intent to Apply Email