SUBJECT
title
Approve Amendment 2 to FDEP Standard Grant Agreement LPA0251 using Heartland Headwaters Act Funding for the West Polk Project (Action)
body
DESCRIPTION
The Heartland Headwaters Protection and Sustainability Act passed in 2017 recognizes Polk County’s vital importance to the economic and ecological health of the surrounding regions. The act indicates that partnerships between regional water supply authorities and local governments is in the state interest, and that funding for projects that restore and protect the state’s resources should be a priority.
The legislature, through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), has provided $188,171 in funding for the West Polk Project. The original agreement was executed in July 2022 and amended for the first time in September 2023 to add additional time to the contract. The contract currently ends on December 30, 2024.
The FDEP has provided Amendment 2 to existing grant agreement LPA0251 to extend the expiration date to April 30, 2026. Funding from Agreement LPA0251 will be used for West Polk property acquisition. Parcel acquisition for Test Production Well #2 has taken more time than anticipated, and the contract extension will allow for additional time to secure parcels and request reimbursement for the cost.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the board authorize the Executive Director to sign Amendment 2 to FDEP Standard Grant Agreement LPA0251.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact from the execution of grant agreement LPA0251, as $188,771 was already allocated to the project with the original agreement.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Mary Thomas