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Ratification of US Environmental Protection Agency Grant Application Through Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program for Proposed Building Infrastructure for Environmental Impact Project
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BRIEF OVERVIEW
Hernando County applied to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) Grant Program. This grant will build infrastructure to employ aerobic composting to transform wood waste into a beneficial Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) approved compost that increases water-holding capacity in the soil. The compost will be distributable to local agricultural producers to increase soil quality and reduce the nitrogen load in the Weeki Wachee Springs Group. 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 submitted on February 15, 2023, with the approval of the County Administrator. 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, the County will receive up to $3,511,806 towards contractual services and construction to support the County’s planned capital improvement project for a compost facility at the landfill. No match is required.
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 the application for EPA’s grant for contractual services and equipment purchases in support of the planned capital improvement for a compost facility at the landfill.