Subject:
Title
Federally funded subaward and grant agreement from the Florida Division of Emergency Management for Federal Emergency Management Agency Region IV Hazard Mitigation Grant program funding for the replacement of span-wire-supported traffic signals with mast arm traffic signals.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval of the federally funded subaward and grant agreement with the Florida Division of Emergency Management for Federal Emergency Management Agency Region IV (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation grant program funding for the replacement of span-wire- supported traffic signals with mast arm traffic signals.
• This grant supports the hardening of traffic signals at nine intersections in the County by replacing span wire traffic signals with mast arm traffic signals. These intersections are identified as key evacuation routes.
• Project begins upon full execution of the agreement and will remain in effect through January 31, 2026.
• Total project cost estimate is $8,314,000.00 for design, construction, and construction inspection engineering services. Federal funding is awarded at 65% ($5,383,682.70). County match is 35% ($2,930,317.30).
• Project 005750A Signalization Improvements is funded by this FEMA Hazard Mitigation grant and the local option infrastructure sales surtax (Penny for Pinellas) and is budgeted in the six- year Proposed Capital Improvement Plan in Fiscal Years 2024-2026.
PID 005750A. FEMA Agreement No. H0995 / Project No. 4486-125-R; Project cost is $8,314,000.00 with grant funding amount received being $5,383,682.70; Agreement ends January 31, 2026; Authorize the Chairman to sign and the Clerk of the Circuit Court to attest.
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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:
Summary
In December 2021, the Public Works Transportation Division (PWTD) submitted a grant application to FDEM for FEMA HMGP funding in the amount of $4,680,000.00. PWTD received notice in April 2022 as being selected to receive funding, followed by the grant agreement received from FDEM in August 2023. Total project cost is $8,314,592.00 for design, construction, and CEI services. After providing an updated project estimate to FDEM, the awarded amount increased to $5,383,682.70 including a contingency amount of $218,285.60 and sub-recipient management costs amount of $150,000.00. Funding is derived from federal funding of 65% ($5,383,682.70) and the County match is 35% ($2,930,317.30).
Funds will be used to support installation and/or upgrade of mast arm traffic signals in place of span wire at nine (9) intersections in the County, located on hurricane evacuation routes. Mast arms replacing the span wire will help improve safety and provide efficient flow of traffic countywide, in the event of an emergency such as a hurricane. Mast arm traffic signals at these nine (9) locations will help to ensure evacuation routes remain open and emergency personnel have access to the main roadways post storm. The grant period of performance will terminate on January 31, 2026. All activities specified in the scope of work should be completed no later than this date.
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Background Information:
The County was allocated $6,300,000.00 in HMGP funding, because of 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.
This project is a 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 project cost is $8,314,000.00 for design, construction and CEI services. Federal funding provides 65% ($5,383,682.70) and the County local match provides 35% ($2,930,317.30). The County match is funded through the Infrastructure Sales Tax (Penny for Pinellas); Transportation Function, PID 005750A Signalization Improvements. This is budgeted in the Fiscal Year 2024 Proposed Capital Improvement Program. County reimbursement requires quarterly reporting to FDEM. Reimbursement requests shall incorporate all costs within the billing timeframe along with acceptable source documentation.
Staff Member Responsible:
Kelli Hammer Levy, Director, Public Works
Partners:
FEMA Region IV
FDEM
Pinellas County LMS Working Group
Attachments:
Agreement
FEMA Grant Award Notice
Grant Application
Project Location Map