Subject:
Title
Grant agreement with the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection for the Philippe Park Wastewater Collection System improvements project.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval of the grant agreement with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) for the rehabilitation and replacement of the existing septic sewer system at Philippe Park.
• The agreement provides up to $2,450,000.00 in FDEP grant funds on a reimbursement basis, with a pledged $1,000,000.00 local contribution from Pinellas County.
• The project includes the installation of approximately 2,800 linear feet of force main, four wastewater pumping stations to replace on-site septic systems, and improvements to Lift Station 614.
• The project is located within Philippe Park in Safety Harbor, an environmentally sensitive area adjacent to upper Old Tampa Bay.
• Philippe Park Wastewater Collection System Improvements project, 000341G, is budgeted in the Proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-FY31 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and funded by Local Infrastructure Sales Surtax (Penny for Pinellas) and State grant funding. The budget reflected in the CIP aligns with the grant agreement.
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Strategic Priorities:
Resilient Infrastructure and Environment
1.2 Maintain and enhance County infrastructure
1.4 Improve environmental quality
1.5 Strengthen resilience and adaptation
1.6 Ensure sustainable water management
Healthy and Safe Communities
2.1 Improve public health
Smart Service Delivery
4.2 Achieve and maintain a high level of customer satisfaction
4.4 Pursue continuous improvement
Summary:
Summary
Approval and execution of this Agreement will provide $2,450,000 in reimbursement grant funding for wastewater infrastructure improvements at Philippe Park. The project will increase resiliency by eliminating reliance on septic systems, improving water quality protection for Old Tampa Bay, and safeguarding groundwater resources.
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Background Information:
The existing septic sewer systems at Philippe Park present an ongoing risk of wastewater contamination to groundwater and the adjacent waters of Old Tampa Bay. The project will replace these systems with a centralized wastewater collection system connected to the City of Safety Harbor’s wastewater network. Improvements include new force main installation, construction of four wastewater pumping stations, and upgrades to Lift Station 614. These efforts align with Pinellas County’s commitment to infrastructure resiliency, environmental stewardship, and fiscal responsibility.
Fiscal Impact:
This grant agreement provides funding in the amount of $2,450,000.00 for the Philippe Park Wastewater Collection System Improvements project, 000341G. Payment will be provided on a reimbursement basis. There is no match requirement, however, the agreement states the grant funds were awarded based on the County’s pledge of $1,000,000.00 towards the total project costs.
Philippe Park Wastewater Collection System Improvements project, 000341G, is budgeted in the Proposed FY26-FY31 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and funded by Local Infrastructure Sales Surtax (Penny for Pinellas) and the FDEP grant award. The project budget reflects FDEP award of $2,450,000 and the County contribution of $1,000,000.00 (funded by Penny for Pinellas) as outlined in this agreement.
Staff Member Responsible:
Paul Cozzie, Director, Parks and Conservation Resources
Briana Daily Senior Grants & Contracts Specialist, Parks and Conservation Resources
Partners:
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
Attachments:
DEP Grant Agreement No. QG032