TO: Mayor and Commissioners
FROM: Missie Barletto, Public Works Director
THROUGH: Terrence R. Moore, ICMA-CM
DATE: January 21, 2025
Title
APPROVAL TO APPLY FOR A FLORIDA DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (FDEM) WATERSHED PLANNING PROGRAM GRANT
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Recommended Action:
Recommendation
Motion to approve and allow the Public Works Department to apply for a Watershed Planning Program Grant through the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) to secure partial funding for the City of Delray Beach Stormwater Master Plan, authorizing the City Manager as the signing authority.
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Background:
With the longest coastline in the contiguous United States and proximity of development, Florida is particularly vulnerable to tropical systems, storm surge, and other heavy rain events that contribute to flood risk. Due to the evolving frequency and severity of these natural hazards, resiliency in our communities is a priority for the State of Florida. As Florida continues to grow and evolve, the importance of well planned, smart development is at an all-time high.
The Watershed Planning Program, funded through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), as approved by FDEM and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), funds Watershed Master Plans (WMP) or Stormwater Master Plans (SWMP) throughout the State of Florida.
Stormwater Master Plans should be updated every five years. The City of Delray Beach has been working with the US Army Corps of Engineers for the past year to begin the five-year update of our SWMP, which was adopted in 2019. The SWMP identifies and prioritizes projects required to protect the community from hazards associated with both storms and rising water levels. Having a current SWMP is a requirement for many outside grant opportunities.
City Attorney Review:
N/A
Funding Source/Financial Impact:
The funding program can award up to $300,000 in federal funds with no match requirement.
Timing of Re...
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