Subject:
Title
Funding obligation letter and self-certification to the U.S. Department of the Army to complete a beach renourishment evaluation report to evaluate extending federal participation of the County’s Shore Protection Project - Treasure Island Segment.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Authorize the Chairman to sign the certification of financial capability and the accompanying letter to Colonel Kirk of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USDOA).
Authorize the Chairman to sign and the Clerk of the Circuit Court to attest the final agreement following proper execution by the USDOA.
Body
Strategic Plan:
Practicing Superior Environmental Stewardship
3.2 Preserve and manage environmental lands, beaches, parks, and historical assets
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
5.2 Be responsible stewards of the public’s resources
Summary:
The self-certification and letter provide assurance to the USDOA that the County will meet its financial obligations prior to entering into an agreement with the USDOA to complete a beach renourishment evaluation report. The letter also states that as a condition of the USDOA preparing the evaluation report, the County will complete and submit a plan for reducing risks to citizens and property of the County from the effects of coastal storms.
Upon receiving the signed self-certification and letter, the USDOA will finalize the draft agreement to be signed by the County. The final agreement between the USDOA and the County will be sent to the County at a later date for the Chairman to sign and the Clerk of the Circuit Court to attest.
Background Information:
The study will include completing a Project Management Plan and a Beach Renourishment Evaluation Report. The Beach Renourishment Evaluation Report will provide recommendations on extending the period of nourishment of the Treasure Island Segment up to 15 years beyond the year 2019, which is the original federal authorization expiration date of the Shore Protection Project.
The 50-year federally authorized nourishment project for Treasure Island began in 1969, the second oldest authorized beach nourishment project in the country. Two recent federal bills extended the expiration date an additional six (6) years. The Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 extended the federal authorization of Treasure Island three (3) additional years to 2022. The Water Resources Development Act of 2016 extended Treasure Island's authorization from three (3) years to six (6) years, whereby the current authorization is set to expire in 2025. This provides additional time to complete the Beach Renourishment Evaluation Report that could extend the current authorization to 2034. Congressional appropriations would still be necessary to fund future nourishment projects.
Fiscal Impact:
Total project costs for the study are projected to be $800,000.00. The County will contribute 50% of a project costs (estimated $400,000.00) as the required non-federal match, and the USDOA will pay the remaining 50% of project costs. After completion of the study, an existing grant agreement with the state will reimburse the County for $80,000.00 of the non-federal cost. The apportionment of County funding is $400,000.00 and is included in the Fiscal Year 2018 Proposed Budget within the Public Works Coastal Management operating budget in the general fund.
Staff Member Responsible:
Rahim Harji, P.E., Director, Public Works
Partners:
USDOA
FDEP
Attachments:
Letter to USDOA
Certification of Financial Capability
Draft Agreement with USDOA
FDEP Grant Agreement