Subject:
Title
Grant application with the United States Environmental Protection Agency for Particulate Matter Air Monitoring Network Support.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval by the Public Works Department Director of the grant application with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the EPA Section 103 Grant, Particulate Matter (PM 2.5) Ambient Monitoring Network.
• The application requests $180,000.00 to support the County’s existing Particulate Matter (PM 2.5) Ambient Monitoring Network from April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2022 ($90,000.00 per project period year).
• No Match is required. EPA agrees to cost-share 100% of all approved costs.
• The application package requires final submittal via Grants.gov by January 30, 2020.
Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.1 Provide planning, coordination, prevention, and protection 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
Summary:
This action approves a grant application for the EPA to continue funding to assist the County's compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards by continuing the ongoing collection of data on ambient air concentrations of fine particulate matter in Pinellas County.
Background/Explanation:
This grant program/project has been ongoing since 1998. The program monitors fine particulate matter air pollution levels in accordance with EPA requirements and standards to demonstrate compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
The County’s air program is recognized by the EPA, the State of Florida and the Department of Environmental Protection as an approved local air pollution control program eligible to receive federal grant funding from the EPA. The County has the authority, through prior agreements, to protect air quality through the implementation of federal and state air pollution rules and regulations.
Fiscal Impact:
Funding request is for $180,000.00 for project period April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2022 ($90,000.00 per project period year). No match is required. The grant provides 100% reimbursements for approved costs. The grant is on a reimbursement basis. The source of the estimated project costs is the Public Works Department, Division of Environmental Management’s Air Quality operating budgets for Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 through FY 2022.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the Department Director to approve this grant application in the amount of $180,000.00 over a two (2) year period is authorized via delegation of authority approved by the County Administrator on March 28, 2016.
Staff Member Responsible:
Kelli Hammer-Levy, Interim Director, Public Works
Partners:
U.S. EPA
Attachments:
Application for Federal Assistance
Public Works Recommendation of Grant Approval, Signed
OMB Approval of Intent to Apply for Grant Funding
Delegation of Authority to Department