TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Approve the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service Grant Agreement in the Amount of $1,794,049.98 for Myakkahatchee Creek Maintenance and Debris Removal and Authorize the City Manager or the Mayor, as Applicable Under the City Charter, to Execute all Funding Documents After Legal Review.
Recommended Action
Approve the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service Grant Agreement in the amount of $1,794,049.98 for Myakkahatchee Creek maintenance and debris removal and authorize the City Manager or the Mayor, as applicable under the City Charter, to execute all funding documents after legal review.
Background Information
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Grant Program helps soil and water conservation districts and other partners protect and conserve natural resources. Its purpose is to boost rural economies, increase the competitiveness of American agriculture, and improve the quality of the county’s air, water, soil, and habitat.
The City has applied and received funding in the amount of $1,794,049.98 to clear debris from the Myakkahatchee Creek. These debris are a result of Hurricane Ian and create blockages that cause water to stage up in the creek during a rain event and worsen the flooding on adjacent roads and properties. These blockages need to be removed. The City is committed to a 25% match for this project, or a total of $540,376.50.
There are many fallen trees and other debris blockages in the section of the Myakkahatchee Creek between Price Boulevard and the City’s northern boundary and this grant will help to pay for the cost to remove the blockages.
This is a reimbursable grant program, meaning the City will spend first and then request reimbursement from the granting agency.
Full execution of the grant and completion of the project is to be contingent on NRCS approving an extension to the completion date for the grant to February 28, 2025. An extension will be requested after the agreement is executed and NRCS has been notified.
The City Attorney has reviewed the agreement for legal form and correctness.
Strategic Plan
Infrastructure and Facilities
Environmental Resiliency and Sustainability
Financial Impact
An award of $1,794,049.98 from the USDA with the City providing a 25% match of $540,376.50. This project will be funded from the Drainage System Improvement Project. Relevant accounts are: R24DSI 107-5000-541.63-00 and R24DSI 306-5000-541.63-00. If surtax is allowed for this activity, then staff will also use surtax funds. Staff will fund this project with additional funds if needed, depending on the allowed scope of the project.
Procurement
Procurement code, policies and procedures will be followed when the purchase is made.
Attachments:
1. NRCS Myakkahatchee Agreement
Prepared by: Michael J. Davey, Grants Coordinator
Department Director: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager