TO: Mayor and Commissioners
FROM: Russ Mager, Police Department
THROUGH: Terrence R. Moore, ICMA-CM
DATE: March 11, 2025
Title
APPROVAL TO APPLY FOR REIMBURSEMENT GRANT FUNDING FROM THE FLORIDA INLAND NAVIGATION DISTRICT (FIND) WATERWAYS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
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Recommended Action:
Recommendation
Motion to approve application for reimbursement grant funding from the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) waterways assistance program in the estimated amount of $40,000 for purchase of replacement boat engines.
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Background:
The Waterway Assistance Program is a grant program established by the Florida Legislature and the District for the purpose of financially cooperating with local governments to alleviate problems associated with the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway and associated waterways within the District. The program is authorized by Section 374.976, Florida Statutes, and is administered under the provisions of Chapter 66B-2, Florida Administrative Code. Eligible local governmental agencies include municipalities, counties, port authorities and special taxing districts within the twelve counties of the District.
Waterway Access project types eligible for funding include public navigation, public waterway access facilities, waterfront parks, environmental education and boating safety projects directly related to the waterways. The District also provides grants for land acquisition which include boater access.
The Police Department would like to apply for funding under waterway boating safety and equipment category for potential reimbursement of a partial cost of Police watercraft engines. If awarded, the grant allows up to 50% reimbursement of the cost.
This would allow the City of Delray Beach to acquire two new engines for the 2005 Contender, which is a multipurpose law enforcement vessel used throughout the Intra-Coastal Waterway (ICW) in Delray Beach. The City covers approximately 3.1 miles of ocean beach front, 11 miles of ICW and canals, and 18 miles of freshwater canals and lakes. The new engines would be used to replace the current engines that are broken so that we can use the vessel to respond to boating accidents, perform enforcement activities to prevent damage to seawalls and marinas, participate in the Palm Beach County Manatee Grant, and for life safety purposes.
If awarded, the grant would provide 50% reimbursement of the cost of the replacement engines. The cost of the replacement engines is estimated at $40,000. If awarded, we would be getting reimbursement for 50% of the cost, or estimated $20,000.
Aside from submitting application via email, the District requires resolution for assistance document completed and signed.
City Attorney Review:
The Grant Application has been approved as to form and legal sufficiency.
Funding Source/Financial Impact:
The cost of the replacement engines is estimated at $40,000 and would be requested in the FY 2025/2026 budget and subject to budget appropriations and approval. This grant, if awarded, would provide for partial reimbursement of the purchase of police watercraft engines. It is expected that the grant award will be in the next fiscal year.
Timing of Request:
This item is time sensitive as the application deadline is March 28, 2025.