Subject:
Title
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Application with the Florida Division of Emergency Management for the replacement and hardening of span wire supported traffic signals with mast arm traffic signals.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Application (Application) with the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) for the replacement and hardening of span wire supported traffic signals with mast arm traffic signals.
• Grant funding will support the hardening of span wire-supported traffic signals with mast arm traffic signals at nine intersections located on major evacuation routes.
• The grant is made available due to the Presidential Disaster Declaration for the COVID-19 Pandemic (FEMA-4486-DR-FL).
• Requested grant funding is $4,387,500.00 (75%); anticipated County match is $1,462,500.00 (25%).
• The Board of County Commissioners approved attached Resolution 21-131 for the County Administrator to execute the grant application at the December 7, 2021 meeting.
• The grant application portal is a fully digital system. Once the Application is submitted online, the County Administrator will be sent an email through CONGA Sign to complete the signature portion of the Application.
PID 004152A; with a project cost of approximately $5,850,000.00; anticipated grant funding of $4,387,500.00.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
Foster Continual Economic Growth and Vitality
4.4 Invest in infrastructure to meet current and future needs
4.5 Provide safe and effective transportation systems to support the efficient flow of motorists, commerce, and regional connectivity
Summary:
The purpose of this grant application is to provide funding for the hardening of traffic signal infrastructure to reduce the risk from future hazards. Nine (9) existing span wire supported traffic signals will be replaced with mast arm traffic signals made of galvanized steel. The selected intersections are located on major evacuation routes. Right-of-way concerns at these locations have been addressed.
Total cost of the project is approximately $5,850,000.00, at an estimated cost of $650,000.00 per intersection for construction. The County is submitting the Application requesting HMGP funding in the amount of $4,387,500.00 (75%). The County will provide an anticipated local match of $1,462,500.00 (25%).
The Board approved Resolution 21-131 at its meeting on December 7, 2021. This allows the County Administrator to execute the Grant Application and meet the submittal deadline of December 21, 2021. Once the grant Application is submitted online, the County Administrator will be sent an email through CONGA Sign to complete the signature portion of the Application, as the Application portal is a fully digital system.
Background/Explanation:
The County was allocated $6.3 million in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Funding, due to the Presidential Disaster Declaration for the COVID-19 Pandemic (FEMA-4486-DR-FL). The grant process is directed through the County’s Local Mitigation Strategy (LMS) Committee. Projects are ranked and selected by LMS prior to beginning the grant application process. The cost-share fluctuates based on how the project is ranked. Projects are anticipated to receive 75% federal funding and require at least a 25% County match.
This project is of Countywide benefit. The mast arms will provide a more resilient infrastructure that is less likely to go out of service during storm events, reducing risk to public safety. Traffic signals hung by span wire are susceptible to damage or falling due to strong wind. The fall of span wire results in traffic signals becoming inoperable and potentially blocking vehicle access on the road. Mast arm signals in place of span wire will allow for the roads to remain open and for emergency personnel to have better access to support citizen needs as well as reduce future maintenance and repair costs.
Fiscal Impact:
The total cost of the project is approximately $5,850,000.00. Requested Application funding is $4,387,500.00 (75%); anticipated County match is $1,462,500.00 (25%). The local match will be funded through the Fiscal Year 2024 Capital Improvement Program, Local Infrastructure Sales Tax (Penny for Pinellas): Intersection Program.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this Grant Application is granted under Code Section 2-62(a)(1) and per Resolution 21-131.
Staff Member Responsible:
Kelli Hammer Levy, Director, Public Works
Partners:
Federal Emergency Management Agency
FDEM
LMS
Attachments:
Grant Application
Resolution 21-131
LMS Endorsement Letter
Project Location Map
OMB Intent to Apply Email