Subject:
Title
Cooperative funding agreement with the Southwest Florida Water Management District for the Anclote River Watershed Management Plan.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the cooperative funding agreement with the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) for the Anclote River Watershed Management Plan (WMP).
SWFWMD Agreement No. 17CF0000395 provides funding in the amount of $400,000 over a three year period for anticipated annual grant reimbursements of $150,000 in year one, $150,000 in year two, and $100,000 in the third and final year.
Body
Strategic Plan:
Practice Superior Environmental Stewardship
3.3 Protect and improve the quality of our water, air, and other natural resources
Summary:
Approval of this agreement provides 50% of the funding required for the following elements to be performed for the Anclote River Watershed:
1. Watershed Evaluation
2. WMP - Floodplain Analysis
3. WMP - Flood Protection Level of Service Determination
4. Surface Water Resource Assessment
5. Best Management Practices Alternative Analysis
Completion of the WMP will provide for a model update, floodplain delineation, and an alternative analysis of best management practices for the Anclote River Watershed.
Background/Explanation:
The Anclote River has a watershed area of 9,000 acres within the County and discharges into St. Joseph Sound. In recent years, the watershed and its associated natural resources have begun to exhibit signs of ecological stress. The watershed is presently listed on the state’s verified impaired waters list for dissolved oxygen and nutrients (historic Trophic State Index). There are also some flooding issues that need to be resolved.
This WMP will help identify improvements needed to better protect our natural resources and reduce the flooding within the watershed.
Currently, SWFWMD and Pasco County are working to update the WMP for Pasco’s portion of the watershed. While Pasco County is not a funding partner on the County’s portion of this watershed, County staff will work in cooperation with SWFWMD and Pasco County for completion of their respective areas of the Anclote River WMP.
Additionally, section 10.1 of the agreement requires the County to indemnify SWFWMD. Staff and the County Attorney have reviewed the indemnification language contained in the agreement and agree that it does not increase the liability to the County beyond an acceptable level of risk. Furthermore, SWFWMD will not modify their indemnification language as it is a standard requirement in their agreements. This agreement remains in effect through December 31, 2019.
Fiscal Impact:
The cost of this project totals $800,000 over a three year funding cycle, with SWFWMD providing 50% of the funding, and the County and the City of Tarpon Springs (City) providing the remaining amount. The County and the City are currently working on a proposed interlocal agreement whereby the City is anticipated to provide funding for an amount not to exceed $152,000, with an agreement duration through December 31, 2019. The County’s portion is available from the Surface Water Utility Operating Budget.
The funding breakdown is as follows:
Funding Source FY2017 FY 2018 FY 2019 Total
Budget Budget Budget Funding
County 93,000 93,000 62,000 248,000
City 57,000 57,000 38,000 152,000
SWFWMD Grant 150,000 150,000 100,000 400,000
Total 300,000 300,000 200,000 800,000
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this agreement is granted under Code Section 2-62 (a)(1).
Staff Member Responsible:
Rahim Harji, P.E., Director, Public Works
Partners:
SWFWMD
City of Tarpon Springs
Attachments:
Cooperative Funding Agreement
Indemnification Email