Title:
Donation of flood sensors to Mecklenburg County Storm Water Services
Summary
ACTION:
Receive up to 100 flood sensors from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Staff Contact: David Kroening, LUESA - Storm Water Services
Presentation: No
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:
Charlotte Mecklenburg Storm Water Services (CMSWS) was awarded a grant by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate for funding to enhance both the Flood Information and Notification System (FINS) and the Flood Risk Assessment and Risk Reduction Tool. The Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved submission of the grant and negotiation and execution of the subsequent contract with DHS on August 2, 2017 (BA 17-4147). On July 10, 2018 the BOCC approved receipt of 75 ‘alpha’ flood sensors from DHS (BA 18-4767). The 75 ‘alpha’ sensors were integrated into the FINS system. CMSWS has evaluated their performance and is in the process of delivering a report to DHS. When the report is approved by DHS, the County will seek reimbursement of $73,928.26 for the staff time and other expenses associated with deployment of the sensors.
In the next phase, CMSWS will receive, deploy, and further evaluate up to 100 ‘beta’ flood sensors provided by DHS at no cost. A ‘beta’ version of technology includes enhancements based on lessons learned from the deployment of the ‘alpha’ version. The sensors will be installed throughout Mecklenburg County according to the Deployment Plan developed by CMSWS. DHS will reimburse CMSWS for the staff time, and other expenses incurred over the next 12-months ($111,872.55). The 100 ‘beta’ sensors valued at over $150,000, will supplement the existing FINS network of 55 stream and lake gages operated by the United States Geological Survey and 75 ‘alpha’ sensors. The 100 flood sensors will become the property of Mecklenburg County.
PROCUREMENT BACKGROUND:
N/A
POLICY IMPACT:
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A