SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve the Joint Participation Agreement (JPA) G3A98 between the City of Clearwater and the State of Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Installation of an Emergency Generator at the Clearwater Airpark, authorize the appropriate officials to execute same, and adopt Resolution 25-06.
Body
SUMMARY:
On January 12, 2023, City Council approved the Lease and Property Operating Agreement (Operating Agreement) with FlyUSA to manage the Clearwater Airpark and subsequently approved the First Amendment to the Lease and Property Operating Agreement on March 7, 2024.
As part of the public-private partnership, the City and FlyUSA seek to redevelop the Terminal and FBO building. In accordance with the Operating Agreement, specifically article 12, the City and FlyUSA agreed to seek FDOT funding to support capital improvements such as the Terminal and FBO building. Additionally, the City committed in the agreement to pay a maximum of $750,000 towards the Airpark terminal and cover, subject to reimbursement by FlyUSA, the cash match associated with any FDOT grant funding.
The Clearwater Airpark is strategically located with an elevation of 71 ft. above sea level making it the highest airport in the Tampa Bay region. This location is vital during storm events where storm surge impacts local airports making Clearwater Airpark the only option for crucial emergency air operations. FDOT JPA Agreement G3A98 provides for a $400,000 grant with a $100,000 City match, for a total of $500,000 grant for the installation of an emergency generator that will not only power the new terminal building but also the Clearwater Gas System (CGS) Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) filling station. Ensuring the filling station remains operational will allow city garbage trucks and other CNG vehicles to refuel immediately after a hurricane or storm event. Any project costs exceeding the grant funding for the generator’s design and installation will be covered by CGS’s Natural Gas Vehicle capital improvement project.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
A mid-year budget amendment will establish capital project 302-G2509, Airpark Emergency Generator, and record a budget of $400,000 in grant revenue from FDOT and $100,000 of Gas Fund revenues transferred from capital project 323-96387, Natural Gas Vehicle.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
High Performing Government
1.2 Maintain public infrastructure, mobility systems, natural lands, environmental resources, and historic features through systematic management efforts.
Economic & Housing Opportunity
2.2 Cultivate a business climate that welcomes entrepreneurship, inspires local investment, supports eco-friendly enterprises, and encourages high-quality job growth.
2.3 Promote Clearwater as a premier destination for entertainment, cultural experiences, tourism, and national sporting events.
