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Confirmation of Authorized Representative Carla Rossiter-Smith, Director of Procurement and Strategic Initiatives, for FY 2025 U.S. Economic Development Administration Disaster Supplemental Grant Application on Behalf of Hernando County and Associated Budget Resolution
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BRIEF OVERVIEW
The Hernando County Board of County Commissioners approved Legistar Item No. 16270 for the submission of a grant application for the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) under the FY 2025 EDA Disaster Supplemental Notice of Funding Opportunity at the September 9, 2025, meeting.
In the Board approved application, Carla Rossiter-Smith, Director of Procurement & Strategic Initiatives, was designated the Authorized Representative for Hernando County for this EDA funding cycle. EDA has requested a formal confirmation letter naming Carla Rossiter-Smith, as the Authorized Representative, with the authorization to bind the County for the purpose of EDA’S grant application online portal and related documentation.
Additionally, with the approval of Legistar Item No. 16270, the Board committed $1,600,000 in County funds and $1,800,000 of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) funding through Grant Contract No. G2M86 towards the required $3,400,000 County Match. The County did acknowledge that other funding sources would be pursued to offset some of the County funds. EDA has also requested a modification of the language to the match documentation letter as originally submitted which requires Chairman’s signature for resubmission.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no change from the original approval at the September 9, 2025, BOCC meeting.
Funding from FDOT available in:
Fund: 4311 - Airport/Industrial Park, Department: 34299 - AP-Runway Conversion, Account: 5666537 - CIP-AP Dsgn/Cnstr Txwys for $1,800,000.
The remainder of the match in the amount of $1,600,000 is budgeted in the FY26 budget in the following account:
Fund: 0011 - General Fund, Department: 01551 - Economic Incentive, Account: 5909985 - Budget Res-Ded Ind Dev for $1,600,000.
LEGAL NOTE
The Board is authorized to act on this matter pursuant to Chapter 125, Florida Statutes.
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board approve and authorize the Chairman’s signature on the attached letter formally confirming Carla Rossiter-Smith, Director of Procurement & Strategic Initiatives, as the Authorized Representative for Hernando County on the EDA Disaster Supplement Grant Application and associated documents.
It further recommended that the Board approve and authorize the Chairman’s signature on the attached associated budget resolution and attached letter confirming the County’s intent to provide the required matching funds with award.