Subject:
Title
Emergency Watershed Protection program forms for the Natural Resources Conservation Service for restoration and stabilization for various channels throughout unincorporated County.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval of the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program forms for submission to Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) for restoration and stabilization (Project) of various channels throughout unincorporated County.
• EWP is a federal emergency recovery program assisting communities in recovering from natural disasters.
• Application to NRCS for EWP was submitted on November 14, 2024.
• Funding is provided to assist with recovery from the impacts of Hurricane Milton and used to restore and stabilize the banks of various channels, including sections of Smith Bayou Channel/Bee Branch, Curlew Creek/Jerry Branch and multiple locations along Joe’s Creek,
• County has been approved for funding and is pending formal agreement with NRCS.
• Execution of forms SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance, SF-424D Assurances - Construction Programs, and Certification Regarding Lobbying (Legistar Attachments 1-3) by the Chairman is required.
• The NRCS EWP Program funding is not reflected in the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget. NRCS grant funded activities will become new project requests and budgeted in the Capital Improvement Plan, subject to BCC approval.
NRCS has approved the County for an amount of $29,442,604.00 which covers 100% of construction costs, not to exceed $26,766,004.00, and construction-related technical services calculated at 10% of the construction cost, not to exceed $2,676,600.40. No match is required.
Body
Strategic Priorities:
Resilient Infrastructure and Environment
1.2 Maintain and enhance County infrastructure.
1.4 Improve environmental quality.
Healthy and Safe Communities
2.2 Enhance community safety.
Summary:
Summary
The County applied to NRCS on November 14, 2024. The request was for assistance in recovery efforts associated with local watersheds impacted by Hurricane Milton on October 9, 2024. NRCS has approved the County for an amount of $29,442,604.00, which covers 100% of construction costs not to exceed $26,766,004.00, and 10% of construction-related technical services not to exceed $2,676,600.40. The County will leverage funding to restore and stabilize portions of Curlew Creek, Jerry Branch, Bee Branch, Channel R, and Joe’s Creek.
The NRCS EWP Program works in coordination with FEMA for local recovery efforts after a natural disaster. The EWP Program application involved the submission of a letter signed by the County Administrator, which included the nature, location, and scope of the program for which assistance is requested. NRCS has requested the submission of the completed SF-424, SF-424D, and Certification Regarding Lobbying forms to begin drafting an agreement.
Body
Background Information:
As a result of the Presidential Disaster Declaration for Hurricane Milton, the County realized an influx of damaged and eroded banks within Curlew Creek, Joe’s Creek, Smith Bayou, and South Creek. If left unresolved further destabilization and erosion can occur causing damage to infrastructure and upstream flooding.
Fiscal Impact:
NRCS has approved the County for an amount of $29,442,604.00 which covers 100% of construction costs, not to exceed $26,766,004.00, and funding for technical services calculated at 10% of the construction cost, not to exceed $2,676,600.40. No match is required.
The NRCS EWP Program funding is not reflected in the FY26 Budget. NRCS grant funded activities will become new project requests and budgeted in the Capital Improvement Plan, subject to BCC approval.
Hurricane Milton bank stabilization efforts that are not eligible through the EWP Program may be funded through General Fund reserves.
Staff Member Responsible:
Kelli Hammer Levy, Director, Public Works
Partners:
NRCS
Attachments:
Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424)
Assurances for Construction Programs (SF424D)
Certification Regarding Lobbying
Application
Applicant Contact Information
Notification of Funding Approval
Damage Survey Reports