Title:
Grant Application - FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance (LUESA)
Summary
ACTION:
1. Authorize the County Manager to apply for FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant funding of up to $2,250,000 to be used for floodplain and stream restoration on Kings Branch; and
2. If awarded, recognize, receive and appropriate grant funds and any property owner matching funds available through completion of the project; and
3. Authorize the County Manager to execute contracts with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management
Staff Contact: Tim Trautman, LUESA-Storm Water Services
Presentation: No
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:
Pursuit of mitigation grant funding from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) program is a regular component of Storm Water Services' capital improvement program, which seeks to reduce the potential for loss of life and property due to flooding. In North Carolina HMA grants are administered by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management.
Storm Water Services is proposing to construct a floodplain and stream restoration project on approximately 6,100 linear feet of Kings Branch between Archdale Drive and Arrowood Road. The project has dual goals of reducing flood risk and improving water quality within the project area. The project consists of bank stabilization and vertical realignment of the channel centerline, aquatic habitat improvement, and planting of native vegetation.
A total project budget of $3.0M is proposed, consisting of $2,250,000 in grant funds and $750,000 in matching funds. Initial cost analysis indicates benefits to the National Flood Insurance Program will exceed six times the grant amount, making this a very promising project in the nationally competitive grant program.
The local population directly served by the proposed grants are the property owners and the estimated 80 residents within the flood risk reduction area. However, all residents of Mecklenburg County indirectly benefit from making the housing stock more resilient to flood damage and improvements to water quality and aquatic habitat.
The submittal deadline to FEMA is January 31, 2019. However, Mecklenburg County can withdraw the application any time before the expected award date in December 2019.
PROCUREMENT BACKGROUND:
N/A
POLICY IMPACT:
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
Increase in Federal revenues and associated expenses in the amount of the grant, estimated at $2,250,000; and $750,000 in matching funds from Storm Water Services Capital Fund