Subject:
Title
Grant Funding Agreement with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for Red Tide Management for and within the County.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the Grant Funding Agreement with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) for Red Tide Management for and within the County.
• FDEP grant RT001 provides funding in the amount of $902,500.00 for clean-up of biological debris due to red tide.
• Services contracted to include, but are not limited to include containment, removal, cleanup, elimination, transportation, and disposal.
• County Administrator will sign the agreement and Board of County Commissioners (BCC) to ratify at a future BCC meeting.
• No matching funds required.
FDEP Contract No. RT001; funding in the amount of $902,500.00; agreement term ninety days from contract execution and retroactive to June 11, 2021.Body
Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.1 Provide planning, coordination, prevention, and protective services to ensure a safe and secure community
Practice 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
5.3 Ensure effective and efficient delivery of county services and support
Summary:
This agreement provides reimbursement for response to the impact of red tide within the County. Funding will be utilized for services related to red tide debris removal in offshore waters, on the beaches, within the Intracoastal Waterway and associated canals, and Tampa Bay. Reimbursement is for contractual costs and city in-house work to remove and dispose of dead fish. The reimbursement period for this agreement begins upon execution and is retroactive from June 11, 2021.
Due to public health, tourism concerns and emergency reimbursement requirements, the County Administrator will sign the agreement and the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) will ratify the approval at the next available BCC Meeting.
Background/Explanation:
In June 2021, reports of fish kill associated with red tide in the County were brought to the attention of FDEP. The Florida Legislature appropriated funds to FDEP which may be used to support local governments in cleaning beaches and coastal areas. This effort will minimize impact of red tide to residents and visitors and alleviate effects from the red tide algae blooms, which may cause harm to Florida’s environment and fragile ecosystems, including beaches and wildlife.
Fiscal Impact:
This grant agreement provides State funding of $902,500.00 through reimbursement for expenditures incurred. There is no match required for this funding. Neither the grant reimbursement revenue nor the associated expenditures were anticipated in the FY21 estimates used in development of the FY22 Proposed Budget. A budget amendment will be brought forward if necessary.
Delegated Authority:
The County Administrator will sign the agreement and the Board of County Commissioners to ratify at a future BCC meeting.
Staff Member Responsible:
Kelli Hammer Levy, Director, Public Works
Partners:
FDEP
Attachments:
Agreement