Issue Statement: The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) administers the Resilient Florida Grant Program. As part of the application process, staff seeks to include a resolution approving and authorizing the City to apply for and receive federal assistance for qualifying projects under this grant program.
Recommended Action: Staff recommends the City Commission adopt a resolution authorizing the proper city officials to execute all appropriate documents to apply for and receive financial assistance for the Resilient Florida Construction Grant Program.
Background: On May 12, 2021, Senate Bill 1954 was signed into law authorizing the creation of the Resilient Florida Program. This comprehensive legislation ensures a coordinated approach to Florida coastal and inland resiliency. This program aims to enhance the State’s efforts to protect inland waterways, coastlines and shores, which serve as invaluable natural defenses against sea level rise.
The Resilient Florida Program includes a selection of grants that are available to counties, municipalities, water management districts, flood control districts and regional resilience entities. To effectively address the impacts of flooding and sea level rise that the state faces, eligible applicants may receive funding assistance to analyze and plan for vulnerabilities, as well as implement projects for adaptation and mitigation. During the first cycle of funding, the City was successful in receiving a $9,393,476 award as part of the 2022-23 Statewide Flooding and Sea Level Rise Resilience Plan for the City’s stormwater projects on NE 13 Avenue, and the 6th Avenue Outfall Replacement, and towards the construction of Fire Station 9.
This year, staff seeks to apply for funding for City-Wide Seawall Improvements, Emerald Lakes Basin Drainage Improvements, and the City Park Green Infrastructure Project.