DEPARTMENT MAKING REQUEST
Utilities
Title
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Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Agreement (H1347) 4734-165-R for Utilities Lab Safe Room - Generator Phase 1 Project
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REQUESTED MOTION/ACTION
recommendation
Recommended Action:
a) Approve Grant Agreement (H1347) 4734-165-R between the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) and Charlotte County in the amount of $563,792.07 for the Design of the Utilities Lab Safe Room Generator Phase 1 project; and
b) Approve Resolution for budget adjustment BA26-244 in the amount of $740,148; and
c) Approve a new Capital Improvement Project “Utilities Lab Saferoom (HMGP 4734)” with an FY26 budget of $705,420; and
d) Authorize the Chairman to execute the grant agreement and Resolution.
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budget
Budgeted Action:
Approve budget adjustment BA26-244 in the amount of $740,148.00 for design and Sub-Recipient Management Cost. A new Capital Improvement Project “Utilities Lab Saferoom (HMGP 4734)” in the amount of $705,420.00 will be added to the adopted FY26 Capital Improvement Program, which excludes the Sub-Recipient Management Cost. Funding for this expenditure will come from County reserves and will be reimbursed by Florida Division of Emergency Management in the amount of $529,065.00. Sub-Recipient Management Cost in the amount of $34,727.07 are 100% reimbursable. The local share of $176,355.00 is anticipated to be reimbursed by Florida Commerce Hazard Mitigation Grant Management Program.
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BACKGROUND (Why is this Action Necessary, and What Action will be accomplished)
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Background:
The Utilities Lab Safe Room project is needed to ensure the County’s critical water and wastewater testing operations continue functioning during hurricanes, severe storms, and other emergency events.
The Utilities Lab plays an essential role in protecting public health and the environment by monitoring and analyzing drinking water and wastewater systems throughout the County. During disasters, the lab must remain operational to support emergency response efforts and maintain regulatory compliance. Currently, the facility does not have a hardened safe room to protect essential personnel or sustain critical operations during extreme weather events.
Without a secure and resilient facility, the County’s water systems and the health and safety of approximately 188,460 residents could be at risk. In addition, the lack of a hardened safe room exposes 8 Lab staff members and 192 additional County employees to unsafe conditions, limiting their ability to perform immediate post-disaster response and recovery activities.
By constructing a dedicated safe room for the Utilities Lab, the County will:
• Protect essential personnel during emergency events.
• Maintain continuity of critical laboratory operations during and after disasters.
• Reduce the risk of service disruptions to drinking water and wastewater systems.
• Strengthen the resilience of critical public infrastructure.
• Protect public health, safety, and the environment during emergency situations.
The FEMA DR-4734 Hazard Mitigation Grant Program will assist in funding the design, construction, and completion of this resiliency project, helping the County mitigate future damage and improve disaster preparedness.
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