TO: Mayor and City Commission
FROM: Douglas E. Smith, City Manager
DATE: March 1, 2017
Title
RESOLUTION - AUTHORIZATION TO SUBMIT A 2017 LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND GRANT APPLICATION FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO FIREFIGHTERS PARK.
BACKGROUND: The Florida Department of Environmental Protection administers the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grant Program. This grant program provides financial assistance to local governments to develop and/or acquire land for open space, park sites, conservation areas, and trails. The 2017 LWCF grant application is due mid-to-late March 2017. Based on the application parameters, City staff has identified improvements to Firefighters Park as an appropriate project. This project would include improvements to the parking lot, fitness trail, picnic shelters, tennis courts, and basketball courts. These improvements are included in the City’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The grant application would request the maximum funding allowed under LWCF which is $200,000. The grant award is contingent upon appropriation by the Florida Legislature. If approved to apply for the LWCF grant, the City will work with RMPK Funding to complete the grant application process.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve.
FISCAL IMPACT: The LWCF match requirement is 50%/50%. As such, if approved, the City would match the grant amount with a $200,000 cash match. If approved, the City will have up to three (3) years from the start of the State’s fiscal year in which funds are appropriated to complete the project.
CONTACT PERSON: Michael A. Jones, CPRP