Title
Grant Application for Trails and Recreation Facilities (NB)
This Item requests the City Commission to authorize staff to submit a grant application to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Recreation Development Program for recreational facilities at the Duval Stormwater Park.
Explanation
The Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) offers funding to local governments for the following categories: 1) development or acquisition of lands for public outdoor recreational purposes; and 2) construction or renovation of public recreational trails. The maximum grant funds an applicant may request is $200,000 with grant match ratios based on the grant cap of $200,000, State share 50%, Grantee share 50%. Applications must be postmarked no later than September 14, 2007.
Duval Stormwater Park, located at 520 NE 21st Street, is located on 26.4 acres in Gainesville's "Front Porch Community". Nature and fitness trails will meander around the wetlands and the naturally sculpted stormwater pond. Construction of the stormwater facilities is scheduled to begin in early 2008. The intent of this grant application is to provide matching funds for the construction of the recreation elements including the nature trail, boardwalk, benches, signs and kiosks, fitness equipment, entranceway landscaping, fencing, and a small parking facility.
Fiscal Note
This project is estimated to require a total of $400,000, of which a 50% match is required from the City of Gainesville. Funds for the match are available from the CDBG funded Duval Neighborhood project account.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) authorize the City Manager to apply to the State of Florida, Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Recreation Development Assistant program for $200,000 in grant funds for the recreational facilities at the Duval Neighborhood Stormwater Park; and 2) authorize the City Manager to execute all documents associat...
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