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Ratification of Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Application for Disaster Assistance for Hunters Lake Outfall System Project and Associated Resolution Granting County Administrator Signature Authority for Documents Related to Project
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BRIEF OVERVIEW
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded Florida Counties over $109 Million in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding as a result of Hurricane Debby, with Hernando County being allocated $1,458,750.83. The Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM) is working with FEMA to administer the program. Projects are sent to FDEM for review of program compliance. Once completed, FDEM will recommend projects to FEMA for funding consideration. If a municipality does not apply, or if their project is not deemed eligible, those allocated funds are available for other approved municipalities’ projects, as seen fit by FDEM.
The HMGP application for Hunters Lake Outfall System covers design, permitting and construction. Work on this project will not start until funding is approved. Hernando County’s total cost of the project is $1,199,950, with $899,952.50 in HMGP Federal Assistance and the County contributing $290,987.50 in Cash Match and $9,000 in In-Kind services. HMGP projects are funded at a 75/25% Federal/County Cost Share. If approved, the County can request up to 5% ($59,997) in Management Costs with no match required for those funds.
Grant Policy 15-01 provides an allowance for the County Administrator to approve submittal of grant applications when time constraints exist. Due to time constraints, this grant application was signed by the County Administrator and submitted on May 21, 2025. In accordance with Grant Policy 15-01 the grant application is being brought to the Board for ratification of the grant application.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
None at this time. If this project is awarded, this project will receive up to $899,952 towards design, permitting and construction to support the County’s improvements of the Hunters Lake Outfall System. There is a 25% match required that will be funded by the Stormwater MSTU, if awarded.
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 ratify grant application FEMA-4673-DR-FL for FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds for construction and related services on the Hunters Lake Outfall System Project and authorize the County Administrator to sign future project grant documents as requested by the Florida Department of Emergency Management by adopting the attached resolution. Any document thus signed will be presented to the Board later for ratification.
It is further recommended that the Board approve and authorize the Chairman’s signature on the attached resolution granting Signature Authority to the County Administrator for the Hurricane Debby HMGP grant application and grant documents.