Subject:
Title
Cooperative Funding Agreement with the Southwest Florida Water Management District for the Starkey Road Watershed Management Plan update.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval of the Cooperative Funding Agreement with the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) for the Starkey Road Watershed Management Plan (WMP) update.
• Project consists of updating the WMP for the Starkey Road Watershed which includes floodplain analysis, level of service, surface water resource assessment, and best management practices.
• The WMP will provide recommendations for drainage, water quality and natural system improvement projects.
• The Starkey Road Watershed model has not been updated since 2013.
• Agreement term is October 1, 2020 through October 31, 2024.
SWFWMD Agreement No. 21CF0003373; PID No. 004937A; total contract amount is $500,000.00 of which the County is responsible for $250,000.00. The County’s project matching is funded through the Surface Water Utility Fee. Authorize the Chairman to sign and the Clerk of the Circuit Court to attest.
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Strategic Plan:
Practice Superior Environmental Stewardship
3.1 Implement green technologies and practices where practical
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
5.1 Maximize partner relationships and public outreach
5.2 Be responsible stewards of the public’s resources
Summary:
Summary
The Cooperative Funding Agreement provides funding for a comprehensive update to the WMP for the Starkey Road Watershed. The Watershed has seen major alterations to hydrology and hydraulics. These changes will be captured through the update to the WMP. Furthermore, existing flooding concerns at multiple locations in the watershed will be addressed as part of the update. The WMP will provide recommendations for drainage, water quality and natural systems improvement projects. The Agreement period is effective from October 1, 2020 to April 1, 2024.
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Background Information:
The Starkey Road Watershed covers approximately 11.6 square miles of southwest Pinellas County. A formal watershed management plan was last completed in 2013. The update will include Watershed evaluation, flood plain analysis, LOS determination, SWRA and BMP alternatives analysis.
Section 10 of the Agreement requires the County to indemnify SWFWMD. County Resolution 06-70 prohibits the County from indemnifying others in most situations. Staff has previously requested SWFWMD remove this requirement for other recent agreement approvals. An email from SWFWMD concerning indemnification from a recent request is attached. SWFWMD has denied these requests as it is a standard requirement in all their agreements. Staff and the County Attorney agree that the indemnification requirement is within an acceptable level of risk.
Fiscal Impact:
The total estimated cost of the project is $500,000.00, which includes up to $250,000.00 of SWFWMD funding. The County will provide matching funds of up to $250,000.00, funded through the Surface Water Utility Fee. The estimated expenditure of $125,000.00 is included in Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Adopted Budget. SWFWMD has approved $75,000.00 for the update through FY 2021. Fiscal impacts for FY22 are included in the FY22 budget request.
Staff Member Responsible:
Kelli Hammer Levy, Director, Public Works
Partners:
SWFWMD
Attachments:
Agreement
Project Location Map
Indemnification Email from SWFWMD
Resolution 06-70