Subject:
Title
Joint Funding Agreement with the United States Geological Survey for the Water Discipline Data Collection Program.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the JFA with the USGS for program funding in the amount of $250,600 for the period of May 1, 2016 to April 30, 2017.
The County’s matching contribution is $193,174, provided by the Public Works Environmental Management Division operating budget. The USGS will contribute $57,426 as well as manage and perform the work.
Body
Strategic Plan:
Practice Superior Environmental Stewardship
3.3 Protect and improve the quality of our water, air, and other natural resources
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.1 Maximize partner relationships and public outreach
Summary:
The purpose of this JFA is to continue to provide funding in the joint effort with the USGS to collect scientific data. This data is used to develop watershed management plans, design surface water management projects, and comply with the County’s National Pollution Discharge Elimination System stormwater permit. This agreement covers the period from May 1, 2016 to April 30, 2017.
Background/Explanation:
The USGS has constructed and installed data gathering stations at various locations throughout the County. The stations collect continuous monitoring data including flood stage, discharge, and rainfall. This information, combined with water quality data allows the County to report pollutant loading information to meet existing and emerging federal and state water quality requirements; supports the planning and design of systems to address flooding; and is used in the development of watershed models which aids in the understanding of our surface waters and the overall function of the stormwater system. The Water Discipline Data Collection Program has been an ongoing program since 1999.
Fiscal Impact:
The total cost of this countywide effort is $250,600 for the one year period of May 1, 2016 to April 30, 2017. The County will contribute $193,174, and the USGS will contribute $57,430. The USGS is managing and performing the work. The USGS will discount the total cost by $57,430 through contributions from their Cooperative Water Program, and Bureau and Science Support.
The total project cost is $14,400 lower than the prior year with the County contribution reduced by $2,016, and the USGS reduced by $12,380.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this JFA is granted under Section 2-62(a)(1), Pinellas County Code.
Staff Member Responsible:
Kelli Hammer Levy, Environmental Management Division Manager, Public Works
Partners:
USGS
Attachments:
Agreement
USGS Cover Letter