TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Approve the Application to the Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Watershed Planning Program for the Funding of a Watershed Master Plan (WMP), in the Amount of $300,000, and Authorize the City Manager or the Mayor, as Applicable Under the City Charter, to Execute all Funding Documents After Legal Review, Should the Grant be Awarded to the City.
Recommended Action
Approve the application to the Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Watershed Planning Program for the funding of a Watershed Master Plan (WMP), in the amount of $300,000, and authorize the City Manager or the Mayor, as applicable under the City Charter, to execute all funding documents after Legal Review, should the grant be awarded to the City.
Background Information
With the longest coastline in the contiguous United States, Florida is particularly vulnerable to tropical systems, storm surge, and other heavy rain events which contribute to flood risk. Due to the evolving frequency and severity of these natural hazards, resiliency in our communities is a priority for the State of Florida. As Florida continues to grow, the importance of well planned, smart development is at an all-time high.
The Watershed Planning Program, funded through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), as approved by FDEM and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has the purpose of funding Watershed Master Plans (WMP) or Stormwater Master Plans (SWMP) throughout the State of Florida. According to the Community Rating System (CRS) Coordinator's Manual “the objective of watershed master planning is to provide the communities within a watershed with a tool they can use to make decisions that will reduce the increased flooding from development on a watershed-wide basis.” Under the Watershed Planning Initiative, communities will be provided funding to complete a Watershed Master Plan or a Stormwater Master Plan, in accordance with FEMA’s standard practices for mitigation planning.
The City of North Port submitted a $300,000 grant application to fund the development of a Watershed Master Plan. If approved, the grant will finance the creation of a planning tool to address flooding issues. This tool will help reduce flooding on roadways and properties, minimize costs for both the City and property owners, and protect lives and public health. It will also ensure the preservation of natural floodplain functions within the City. The project will be completed using contracted services.
The grant application was submitted on March 19, 2025. Notification of award is expected in fall of 2025. If awarded, this will be a cost reimbursement grant. The City spends first, then submits reimbursement requests to the granting agency for review, approval, and payment.
Should the grant be awarded to the City, the Interim City Attorney will review the grant contract to ensure it is legally correct as to form.
Strategic Plan
Good Governance
Environmental Resiliency and Sustainability
Disaster Response and Recovery Management
Financial Impact
Potential award of $300,000 to be utilized to fund a Watershed Master Plan. Matching funds are required for this grant in the amount of $75,000. The total cost of the project is expected to be $375,000. Development Services has funds of $75,000 available for the balance of this project in account number 115-2755-537.46-10, Environmental Protection Fund.
Procurement
City of North Port, Florida, Procurement Code, policies and procedures will be followed when the purchase is made.
Attachments:
1. Grant Application
2. Application Supplemental Information
Prepared by: Jennifer Sadonis, Grants Coordinator
Department Director: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager