TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Approve the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection Standard Grant Agreement Number L0290, for the North Port Blue Ridge / Salford Neighborhood Water and Sewer Expansion Phase 1 Project in the Amount of $3,000,000, 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 State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection Standard Grant Agreement Number L0290, for the North Port Blue Ridge / Salford Neighborhood Water and Sewer Expansion Phase 1 Project in the amount of $3,000,000, 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 State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection Standard Grant Agreement Number L0290, for the North Port Blue Ridge / Salford Neighborhood Water and Sewer Expansion Phase 1 Project in the amount of $3,000,000.
• Pros: These funds will provide the City with partial reimbursement of the total cost of the North Port Blue Ridge / Salford Neighborhood Water and Sewer Expansion Phase 1 Project.
• Cons: There are no foreseeable cons to approving this Agreement.
Option 2: Deny the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection Standard Grant Agreement Number L0290, for the North Port Blue Ridge / Salford Neighborhood Water and Sewer Expansion Phase 1 Project in the amount of $3,000,000.
• Pros: There are no foreseeable pros to denying this Agreement.
• Cons: The City would not receive reimbursement for the cost of the North Port Blue Ridge / Salford Neighborhood Water and Sewer Expansion Phase 1 Project.
Background Information
During the City Commission Regular Meeting held on December 10, 2024, the City Commission approved the following projects for 2025 State legislative funding consideration:
Ø Police Headquarters
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
A request to fund water and sewer service expansion was selected to be submitted for State Appropriation consideration in February 2025. The City asked the State to appropriate $3,000,000 for the North Port Blue Ridge / Salford Neighborhood Water and Sewer Expansion Phase 1 Project, which consists of constructing a vacuum station facility and installing and extending vacuum mains to approximately 200 properties in the Blue Ridge / Salford 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.
The City of North Port has been awarded $3,000,000 by the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection, funded as a State Appropriation through the Florida Legislature in the fiscal 2025-26 budget. This is a reimbursable grant, meaning the City will spend the funds first and then request reimbursement from the granting agency.
The State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection Standard Grant Agreement Number L0290 was reviewed by the City Attorney and is legally correct as to form.
The State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection Standard Grant Agreement Number L0290 was provided to the City Clerk’s Office, for signature, subject to City Commission approval.
Strategic Plan Pillar
Infrastructure & Facilities Integrity
Financial Impact
The total project cost is estimated to be $10,300,000. The State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection Grant will fund $3,000,000 of this cost. Additionally, a Federal Environmental Protection Agency Grant will fund $2,300,000 of this project. The remainder of the project will be funded by Surtax funds. There is currently $2,500,000 available in project U26NEP, account 306-6062-535.63-00, with an additional $2,500,000 in Surtax budgeted for this project in Fiscal Year 2027.
Procurement
All relevant Procurement Codes, policies and procedures will be followed when purchases are made.
Attachments:
1. Grant Agreement
Prepared by: Jennifer Sadonis, Grants Coordinator
Department Director: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager