TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Approve the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Grant Agreement, Grant Number 03D35625, for the City of North Port Sewer Vacuum Station Installation Project in the Amount of $2,300,000 in Federal Funding, and Authorize the City Manager or the Mayor, as Applicable Under the City Charter, to Execute All Funding Documents After Legal Review.
Recommended Action
Option 1: Approve the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Grant Agreement, grant number 03D35625, for the City of North Port Sewer Vacuum Station Installation Project in the amount of $2,300,000 in Federal Funding, and authorize the City Manager or the Mayor, as applicable under the City Charter, to execute all funding documents after legal review.
City Commission Options
Option 1: Approve the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Grant Agreement, grant number 03D35625, for the City of North Port Sewer Vacuum Station Installation Project in the amount of $2,300,000 in Federal Funding, and authorize the City Manager or the Mayor, as applicable under the City Charter, to execute all funding documents after legal review.
• Pros: $2,300,000 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to install a vacuum sewer station and connect approximately 200 septic tanks and connecting properties to the municipal sewer system in the Blue-Ridge Salford North neighborhood.
• Cons: No foreseeable cons to approval
Option 2: Deny the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Grant Agreement, grant number 03D35625, for the City of North Port Sewer Vacuum Station Installation Project in the amount of $2,300,000 in Federal Funding, and authorize the City Manager or the Mayor, as applicable under the City Charter, to execute all funding documents after legal review.
• Pros: No foreseeable pros to denial.
• Cons: Loss of $2,300,000 in federal funding, requiring the City to fully self-fund sewer expansion in the area.
Background Information
The City of North Port has been awarded $2,300,000 in federal funding through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Community Grants Program, funded under the 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act (PL 117-328). The funding will support the Sewer Vacuum Station Installation Project, which consists of constructing a vacuum station facility, installing, and extending vacuum mains to approximately 200 properties in the Blue-Ridge Salford North neighborhood and surrounding areas. The project includes connecting these properties to the City’s sewer system, removing existing septic tanks, and completing related pavement, grading, and drainage improvements.
This project will significantly improve groundwater and surface water quality by eliminating septic systems, reducing the risk of contamination, and enhancing environmental protection for the community.
This is a reimbursable grant, meaning the City spends first then requests reimbursement from the granting agency.
While the grant agreement does not require signature, the Interim City Attorney reviewed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Grant Agreement, grant number 03D35625, for the City of North Port Sewer Vacuum Station Installation Project and it is legally correct as to form.
Strategic Plan Pillar
Environmental Resiliency & Sustainability
Infrastructure & Facilities
Financial Impact
The total project cost is estimated to be $7,600,000. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant funds $2,300,000 of this project. A State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) grant is estimated to fund $3,000,000.The remainder of the project will be funded through City Surtax Funds, estimated to be $2,300,000, and funds are allocated in the fiscal year 2026 budget project number U26NEP.
If the State of Florida DEP grant does not come through, staff will come forward with a budget amendment to address remaining funds.
Expenditure Account
306-6064-536.63-00
Procurement
The City’s Procurement Code, policies and procedures will be followed.
Attachments:
1. Grant Agreement
Prepared by: Jennifer Sadonis, Grants Coordinator
Department Director: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager