Subject:
Title
Revised Hazard Mitigation Grant Program application with the Florida Division of Emergency Management for the modification of traffic control cabinets to mitigate storm impacts.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval of the revised Hazard Mitigation Grant Program application with the Florida Division of Emergency Management for the modification of traffic control cabinets to mitigate storm impacts.
• Grant is made available due to the Presidential Disaster Declaration for Hurricane Debby (FEMA 4806-DR-FL).
• The application revision is requested to increase funding for 31 traffic signal control cabinets located on major evacuation routes and mast arms at 5 intersections.
• Revises grant funding to $9,592,229 with a local match of $3,197,433 for a project total of $12,789,662. The federal share and local match are increased.
• No signature needed.
• Funding for this application will come from the Public Works County Transportation Trust Fund operating budget, as well as from the Capital Improvement Plan, budgeted under the Advanced Traffic Management System/Intelligent Transportation Solutions (ATMS/ITS) Regional Improvements Project 001032A funded by the Local Option Fuel Tax.
PID 001032A; Project costs are approximately $12,789,662, with requested grant amount $9,592,229. Local match includes Local Option Fuel Tax from the ATMS/ITS Regional Improvements Project and the Public Works County Transportation Trust Fund operating budget.
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Strategic Priorities:
Resilient Infrastructure and Environment
1.1 Improve traffic flow efficiency.
1.2 Maintain and enhance County infrastructure.
1.5 Strengthen resilience and adaptation.
Healthy and Safe Communities
2.2 Enhance community safety.
Summary:
Summary
The revised Grant Application seeks funding to modify traffic control cabinets to mitigate risk from future hazards. The FDEM has requested the Local Mitigation Strategy Workgroup (LMSW) to endorse the increased request for project costs from $2,625,000 to $3,988,299. Thirty-one (31) traffic signal control cabinets are proposed to be modified to increase resilience and mitigate flood impacts during storms. The cabinets house sensitive electronic equipment to operate the traffic signals and include an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) to maintain signal operations to support evacuations and emergency response during power outages. The increased costs are associated with design, survey, and post-design fees not included in the original budget. These costs are a portion of the total grant request for traffic cabinets and mast arms. Total project costs for traffic cabinets and mast arms increased from $10,972,000.00 to $12,789,732.00.
The Board of County Commissioners (Board) approved the submittal of the original Application on May 6, 2025, by Legistar No. 25-0597A. This request is seeking approval for the increased cost.
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Background Information:
As a result of the Presidential Disaster Declaration for Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton, Pinellas County was allocated HMGP funding for the LMSW to prioritize projects to be endorsed for HMGP funding. The grant process is directed through the County’s LMSW. Projects are ranked and selected by the LMSW to receive an endorsement letter for submission with an application to FDEM. FDEM has sought an increased request for the County’s submission for the modification of signal control cabinets to ensure County projects receive the largest proportion of eligible funds available.
The Traffic Signal Control Modification project is a countywide benefit. More resilient traffic infrastructure will be less likely to go out of service during storm events, reducing risk to public safety. Mast arm signals and modified traffic cabinets are anticipated to allow for the roads to remain open and for emergency personnel to have better access to support citizen needs as well as reduce future maintenance and repair costs.
Fiscal Impact:
Total cost of the project is approximately $12,789,732.00. Requested funding is revised to $9,592,229.00 (75%); anticipated County match is $3,197,433.00 (25%).
Funding for this application will come from the Public Works County Transportation Trust Fund operating budget, as well as from the Capital Improvement Plan, budgeted under the ATMS/ITS Regional Improvements Project 001032A funded by the Local Option Fuel Tax.
Staff Member Responsible:
Kelli Hammer Levy, Director, Public Works
Partners:
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM)
Local Mitigation Strategy Workgroup (LMSW)
Attachments:
Local Mitigation Strategy Intent to Apply
Revised Proposal & Budget
Director Approval Increase - Email
Project Scoring Sheet
OMB Intent to Apply Email