TO: Mayor and Commissioners
FROM: Missie Barletto, Public Works Director
THROUGH: Terrence R. Moore, ICMA-CM
DATE: October 15, 2024
Title
APPROVAL TO APPLY FOR THE FLORIDA COASTAL PARTNERSHIP INITIATIVE GRANT THROUGH THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Body
Recommended Action:
Recommendation
Motion to approve and allow the Public Works Department to apply for the Florida Coastal Partnership Initiative Grant through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Coastal Management Program, authorizing the City Manager as the signing authority.
Body
Background:
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection Coastal Management Program announced a funding opportunity for the Florida Coastal Partnership Initiative (CPI) Grant. The CPI grant is intended to help coastal communities plan and implement projects that promote sustainable use of coastal resources, improve public access to the coast, restore natural habitats, and enhance community resilience to coastal hazards. The program encourages innovative and collaborative projects that contribute to the long-term health of Florida's coastal ecosystems and economies.
Dune systems provide a natural ecosystem to native flora and fauna as well as provide storm protection as the first line of defense to upland infrastructure. In 2020, the City of Delray Beach (City), through the Public Works Department (Public Works), developed a Dune Management Plan to enhance the health of the dune system and promote strength and species diversity along the 6,450 foot stretch of the municipal beach. In addition to semi-annual dune trimming, the Dune Management Plan recommends exotic species removal, reduction of potential monocultures, and replanting of native species.
If awarded, the CPI grant will allow Public Works to further the implementation of these recommendations to enhance the City’s dune system as recommended in the Dune Master Plan. The due date for submitting applications is October 31, 2024, with awards ranging from $10,000 - $90,000. There is a 1:1 cost-sharing or matching if awarded. The City’s CPI grant application is requesting $90,000 with a $90,000 City match required. Public Works budgets $150,000 annually in the Beach Fund in the Capital Improvement Program for dune management activities that can be used for this match.
Funding Source/Financial Impact:
332-41-363-572-34-90; Beach Fund Dune Management
Timing of Request:
This is time sensitive to meet application deadline.