Title
Grant Application - Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) - Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Grant
Action
ACTION:
1) Approve submission of a grant application for FEMA BRIC Grant funding of up to $17,780,196 to be used for flood prone property buyouts and the restoration of Sugar Creek from S. Tryon Street to the intersection with Arrowood Road.
2) If awarded, recognize, receive, and appropriate the award amount to the G705 within LUESA.
3) Authorize the County Manager to execute a contract with the FEMA BRIC Grant administrator.
4) Adopt the required grant project ordinance for the grant in the Grant Fund (G705).
Staff Contact: Jason Klingler, LUESA - Storm Water Services
Presentation: No
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:
The County’s Storm Water Capital Improvement Program (CIP) began restoring Mecklenburg County creeks and floodplains to improve water quality in 1997. The program is funded with revenue from Storm Water fees. In 2021, Storm Water began implementing a 15-year CIP consistent with goals in the Environmental Leadership Action Plan (ELAP). By 2036, 69 additional miles of major creeks will be stable and partially supporting of diverse aquatic life. These natural infrastructure investments have many other benefits to greenway systems, increasing native plants/trees, open space, aesthetic improvements, and corridors for wildlife.
Staff seeks to pursue grant funding from FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Program (BRIC) for 10,550 feet of stream restoration and voluntary buyouts of up to 39 flood prone properties on Sugar Creek, from S. Tryon Street to Arrowood Road, up to a total amount of $17,780,196 (refer to attached Location Map). Mecklenburg County will match the Federal Grant at 25 percent, up to a maximum of $5,926,732. The grant application was submitted on July 24, 2026. Staff submitted the application on time; however, the application will be withdrawn if not approved by the Board.
Storm Water Services is working to design, restore, and construct a stream restoration project on Sugar Creek in conjunction with the acquisition of flood prone properties in the project area. Storm Water Services will coordinate with voluntary buy-out participants to acquire their at-risk properties and reduce the flood risk within Mecklenburg County.
PROCUREMENT BACKGROUND:
N/A
POLICY IMPACT:
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
Increase of up to $17,780,196 in revenue and associated expenses in fund G705. Mecklenburg County Storm Water Cash Match at 25 percent up to a maximum of: $5,926,732.
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