Subject:
Title
2020 - 2021 Indian River Lagoon Water Quality Improvement Projects Grant Program
End
Fiscal Impact:
FY 21-22: Up to $25 million in grant revenue is available for the Indian River Lagoon Watershed
Dept/Office:
Natural Resources Management Department
Requested Action:
Recommendation
It is requested that the Board of County Commissioners: (1) Authorize the County Manager, or his designee, to sign grant funding requests submitted by Brevard County to the St Johns River Water Management District for Indian River Lagoon Water Quality Improvement Projects; (2) Authorize the County Manager, or designee, to execute resultant grant contracts subject to the approval of the County Attorney's Office and Risk Management, waiving the local venue preference for disputes; (3) Authorize the County Manager, or designee, to execute future contract amendments subject to the approval of the County Attorney's Office and Risk Management; and (4) Approve associated budget change requests.
End
Summary Explanation and Background:
Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature approved a new water quality improvement grant program specifically for the Indian River Lagoon watershed (per attached map). The fiscal year 2020-2021 appropriation for this grant program is $25 million. All entities with water quality improvement projects that benefit the Indian River Lagoon are invited to submit for funding. The District’s application process opened July 28, 2020 and submittals must be received by 5 p.m. on Aug. 21, 2020.
The Board approved Save Our Indian River Lagoon Project Plan contains many projects that should compete well for these grant funds and have local funding to pledge as match. Applications must be signed by the person with authority to enter into a contractual agreement. Since there are no other regular County Commission meetings scheduled before the August 21st grant submittal deadline, staff requests delegation of contracting authority to the County Manager, or his designee.
The grants are for construction costs for local governments and others such as non-governmental organizations (NGOs), colleges and universities. The Water Management Districts will consider the following factors when reviewing IRL Water Quality applications:
• The quantifiable water quality improvement benefits to the IRL.
• Projects are construction ready and must start no later than July 31, 2021 with project completion within 24 months of contract execution.
• Cost effectiveness.
• The quality and completeness of the application.
• The degree to which the application demonstrates local commitment (match funding and/or public support).
• Whether the project is identified in a water quality restoration plan.
Projects may be eligible for up to 100 percent of construction costs, with a $2.5 million cap per project and per applicant. A local funding match is not required; however, it is considered during the evaluation and project scoring. A match of 50% will receive 10 bonus points according to the 100 point scoring sheet.
Clerk to the Board Instructions:
The Chair will need to execute three original contracts.