Title
Authorization to Utilize ConnectFree Funds for SE 13th Avenue Septic to Sewer Project (B)
Explanation
This is a request for the City Commission to authorize expenditure of ConnectFree funds of up to $200,000 for the SE 13th Avenue Septic to Sewer Project.
In conjunction with the ConnectFree program, GRU and general government staff have been working to implement a targeted septic to sewer program. The program specifically targets existing homes with septic tanks that have been identified by the Florida Department of Health Alachua County (DOH) and/or Alachua County Environmental Protection Department (ACEPD) as having either confirmed or high potential for causing bacteriological impacts to urban creeks. Other factors being considered include customers’ desire to connect, ease of connection, homeowner income, and ability to leverage grant funding.
A neighborhood consisting of six homes located on SE 13th Ave adjacent to Sweetwater Branch has been identified. The DOH has determined that one home has confirmed impacts to the creek and the other five homes have a high potential for impacts to the creek. Additionally, several of the homeowners have reported backups in their septic systems during wet weather and a strong desire to connect. Housing and Community Development staff have determined that the homeowner with confirmed impacts meets low income criteria. Connecting the home with confirmed impacts is the highest priority. However, it is proposed to connect all of the homes in the neighborhood since the other homes have a high potential for impacts, other homeowners have expressed a strong desire to connect, and there is the opportunity to use state grant funding to help pay for the proposed sewer extension.
GRU has been awarded cost share funding for this project from St. Johns River Water Management District, which will pay up to one third of construction costs up to $47,000. Additionally, the City was awarded cost share funding of up to $100,000...
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