Title
Total Maximum Daily Load Water Quality Restoration Grant Application to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection - Paynes Prairie Sheetflow Restoration Project (B)
This item is a request for the City Commission to authorize staff to submit a grant application to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) for Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) funds in the amount of $500,000 for the Paynes Prairie Sheetflow Restoration Project
Explanation
The FDEP TMDL Grant Program provides funding for the implementation of best management practices designed to reduce urban stormwater pollutant discharges to impaired waters. This funding is administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection as the TMDL Water Quality Restoration Grant, which is set out by rule in Chapter 62-305, F.A.C. and authorized by Section 403.890(2), F.S.
The Sweetwater Branch/Paynes Prairie Sheetflow Restoration Project is a nutrient reduction project whose best management practices include: 1) Sweetwater Branch channel improvements to stabilize the channel, capture sediment and trash; 2) create a 125 acre treatment wetland that reduces Total Nitrogen to 3 mg/l or less for achieving TMDL requirements; 3) construct a mile and a quarter long sheetflow distribution channel to rehydrate 1300 acres of stressed prairie habitat; and 4) back fill almost two miles of existing canal to eliminate short circuiting.
Funds for the FY2013 TMDL grant cycle are being requested for the construction of Wetland Cell 1. This project is estimated to cost $1,364,207. The TMDL grant program requires a minimum of 50% match of the total project cost in matching funds.
Fiscal Note
The FDEP TMDL Grant Program funds request is for $500,000. If the Grant is awarded, a local match of $864,207 is available in funding currently budgeted for the project from the Stormwater Management Utility Fund.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) authorize the City Manager or designee to make...
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