SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve the Second Amendment to Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) Cooperative Funding Agreement for the Lower Spring Branch Improvements (14-0048-EN), extending the agreement through December 1, 2029, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
Body
SUMMARY:
The Lower Spring Branch Stormwater Improvements Project is identified as Project 1B in the Stevenson Creek Watershed Management Plan (WMP), which was prepared by the City of Clearwater with SWFWMD’s cooperative funding and participation.
This project will provide flood relief for approximately 11 homes adjacent to the Creek, removing them from the 100-year floodplain.
The construction of this project includes the replacement of bridges at Springtime Avenue, Overbrook Avenue, and the addition of larger box culverts under Douglas Avenue.
The Cooperative Funding Agreement between the City of Clearwater and SWFWMD includes reimbursement up to 50% of the cost of design and construction up to a maximum of $1,160,000 and Pinellas County, as a third party within this agreement, up to 50% of the cost of design and construction up to a maximum of $500,000 (SWFWMD reimbursement to County) for construction of the project. Pinellas County will reimburse the City 25%, not to exceed $270,000 of the construction of Douglas Avenue Crossing, for a total of $1,430,000 in potential reimbursements.
August 14, 2018, City Council approved the SWFWMD Cooperative Funding Agreement N915 for 50% of design and construction up to a maximum of $1,160,000.
May 6, 2021, City Council approved Amendment One extending the agreement through June 30, 2024, providing time to acquire necessary property rights and Army Corp of Engineer permits for Historical bridges.
Due to considerable property right acquisitions and design challenges coupled with delays arising from the COVID19 pandemic, the City has requested SWFWMD extend the Cooperative Funding Agreement expiration date to December 1, 2029, upon approval of City Council.
Amendment Two includes no changes to reimbursement values.
The City has budgeted $3.9M of stormwater enterprise funds, which together with SWFWMD’s & Pinellas County’s reimbursements will total $5.3M to fund the proposed project. City staff is also researching other grant opportunities.
All necessary easements and permits should be acquired by Summer 2025. The City plans to bid the project while permits are being finalized to expedite the project schedule. Construction is expected to last less than 18 months with completion anticipated in early 2027.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
1.2 Maintain public infrastructure, mobility systems, natural lands, environmental resources, and historic features through systematic management efforts.
1.4 Foster safe and healthy communities in Clearwater through first-class public safety and emergency response services.
4.1 Support proactive climate resiliency strategies based in science to protect natural and built environments from impacts associated with sea level rise.
