Subject:
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Resilient Florida Grant Program application with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for Gulf Beach Water Booster Station Improvements.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval for the department to apply for funding from the Resilient Florida Grant Program (RFGP) with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for improvements at the Gulf Beach Water Booster Station.
• The RFGP provides funding for planning and implementation projects to address flooding and sea level rise impacts.
• The project will replace the existing potable water booster station located at 4501 Gulf Boulevard in St. Pete Beach, FL.
• The County is requesting $8,000,000.00, supplanting nearly 50% of the total construction budget.
• County match of at least 50%, or $8,000,000.00, is required.
• Grant funds will be applied to Gulf Beach Booster Station Replacement Project 002150A, included in the Capital Improvement Plan. Matching funds are available under the same project, funded by the Water Renewal and Replacement Fund, in the amount of $16,657,000.00.
If awarded, funds will be available beginning July 1, 2025.
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Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety and Welfare
2.1 Provide planning, coordination, prevention, and protective 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
3.5 Foster a sustainable and resilient community that is prepared for sea level rise and a changing climate
Foster Continual Economic Growth and Vitality
4.4 Invest in infrastructure to meet current and future needs
Deliver First-Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.3 Ensure effective and efficient delivery of county services and support
Summary:
Summary
Pinellas County Utilities (PCU) is currently designing improvements for the Gulf Beach Water Booster Station located at 4501 Gulf Boulevard in St. Pete Beach, FL. The project will replace the existing drinking water booster station to improve service to residents and meet current industry and operational standards. This includes constructing a new two-story building with critical electrical components housed on the second floor and a waterproof pump room to reduce the facility’s susceptibility to storm related flooding and anticipated sea level rise. The new facility is being designed for an 18.8-foot flood elevation, meaning the surrounding seawater level would need to reach that height before critical components of the new water booster station would be impacted.
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Background Information:
The Gulf Beach Water Booster Station (GBWBS) is vulnerable to inundation based on information from the Pinellas County Sea Level Rise and Storm Surge Vulnerability Assessment. Furthermore, a preliminary engineering report conducted in December 2022 assessed the facility to future planning horizons that further establish the GBWBS is highly vulnerable based on the combined effects of sea level rise (SLR) and the 100-year return period storm. PCU has recently undertaken multiple drinking water quality improvement and booster station upgrade projects starting at the north end of the County and working south. The Gulf Beach Water Booster Station is the next location in the PCU Capital Improvement Program scheduled for upgrades. This funding will offset the County’s expenditures for this critical project by approximately 50%.
Fiscal Impact:
This is a multi-year reimbursement grant that will impact Fiscal Years (FY) 2025-2028. If awarded, allowable project expenditures made on or after July 1, 2025, may be claimed for purposes of satisfying the match requirement.
Grant funds will be applied to Gulf Beach Pump Station Upgrades Project 002150A, included in the Capital Improvement Plan. Matching funds are available under the same project, funded by the Water Renewal and Replacement Fund, in the amount of $16,657,000.
Anticipated grant funding is not included in the FY25-30 Proposed Capital Improvement Plan.
Staff Member Responsible:
Jeremy Waugh, Director, Utilities
Partners:
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Attachments:
OMB Grants Review Form
Draft Application Form
Project Narrative
Project Location Map