TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Discussion and Approval of Projects for 2026 State and Federal Legislative Funding Consideration.
Recommended Action
Option 1: Approval of projects for 2026 State and Federal legislative funding consideration, after discussion.
City Commission Options
Option 1: Approval of projects for 2026 State and Federal legislative funding consideration, after discussion.
• Pros: Creates a Commission-approved list of projects to pursue through State and Federal legislative funding opportunities.
• Cons: Grants and Department staff must prepare applications and coordinate with partners.
Option 2: Allow City Manager to decide what to apply to for State and Federal legislative funding.
• Pros: City Commission time saved.
• Cons: City Commission does not weigh in on the priorities.
Option 3: Not consider any projects for State and Federal legislative funding.
• Pros: Staff will not invest time and effort into the applications resulting in saved staff time.
• Cons: The City will not receive any funding.
Background Information
Each year, staff presents potential projects for the upcoming State and Federal legislative funding cycles for Commission consideration.
Key Considerations for Funding Requests:
Ø State legislative awards typically provide up to $1 million per project, although higher amounts are possible. Priority should be given to urgent, shovel-ready projects or those nearing design completion.
Ø Federal funding involves stricter requirements, including bidding, permitting, and construction constraints, which can extend project timelines.
Ø Both State and Federal requests usually require at least a 20% match.
Staff suggested projects for discussion:
State (Typically fewer requirements/limitations and under $1 million):
Ø Emergency Services Buildings and Equipment
Ø Warm Mineral Springs Water/Sewer or Buildings
Ø Water Control Structure Improvements
Ø Price Boulevard Widening Phase II
Ø Bridge Improvements
Ø Water and Sewer Service Expansion
Ø Solid Waste Transfer Station
Ø Preservation of Environmental Lands
Federal (Typically many requirements/limitations and can be more than $1 million):
Ø Water Control Structure Improvements
Ø Warm Mineral Springs Water/Sewer or Buildings
Ø Bridge Improvements
Ø Water and Sewer Service Expansion
Ø Price Boulevard Widening Phase II
Ø Emergency Services Buildings and Equipment
Legislative funding opportunities often have quick application turnaround times, typically one to two weeks from announcement to deadline. Each year, project eligibility criteria can vary, requiring swift decision-making by staff.
The following action items will be performed by the Grants Division staff:
Ø Evaluate application guidelines once released.
Ø Collaborate with relevant Departments to prepare applications for eligible projects.
Ø Submit no more than two to three applications each for State and Federal funding to avoid internal competition.
Ø Notify the Commission via memo regarding the projects submitted.
Strategic Plan Pillar
Good Governance
Financial Impact
Not applicable.
Procurement
Not applicable.
Prepared by: Valerie Malingowski, Grant Division Manager
Department Director: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager