Authorize Application for Grant Funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program in an Amount Up to $5,025,000.00 for Flood Mitigation in the Arlington Heights Neighborhood with a Cash and In-Kind Services Match in an Amount Up to $1,675,000.00 for a Total Project Cost Up to $6,700,000.00 (COUNCIL DISTRICT 7)

It is recommended that the City Council authorize the application for flood mitigation grant funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program in an amount up to $5,025,000.00 with a cash and in-kind service match in an amount up to $1,675,000.00 for a total project cost up to $6,7000.00.

This Mayor and Council Communication (M&C) recommends that the City apply for grant funding to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as a part of their Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM)  Grant Program for a project to mitigate flooding in the Arlington Heights Neighborhood.  This project could involve the voluntary acquisition of up to 11 highly flood prone residential properties.  Any acquisitions pursued via this grant opportunity would be strictly on a voluntary basis.  Due to repeated flood damage, numerous property owners in the 2000 block of Carleton and Western Avenues have approached the City asking that their properties be considered for buy out.

The application deadline for this grant is October 31, 2017.  Prior to submission of the grant application, Staff will finalize evaluation of the properties to verify that the flood mitigation benefits of the project justifies the project and meets the grant criteria for acceptance.  Additionally Staff will be working with the property owners who have indicated an interest in being bought out to confirm their Agreement to participate in the grant application. Based on the terms of this grant Staff may decide to split this project into multiple grant applications.  The cumulative funding involved will not exceed $5,025,000.00 in grant funding and $1,675,000.00 of City participation in cash and in-kind services.

Any properties ultimately acquired through this effort will be converted into well-maintained green space.  The lots will also be graded in such a way as to provide as much detention and additional flood protection as is possible for adjacent residences.  If contiguous lots are assembled, the potential to convert the lots into park-like amenities will be explored with the community and implemented to the maximum extent possible.

Any eligible in-kind services that are identified will be used to reduce the amount of the City's cash match.  Additionally, any indirect costs allowable by the PDM grant will be a part of the total project cost submitted for grant funding.  The City's cash match will be provided from funds in the Stormwater Utility Fiscal Year 2018 CIP budget.  Multiple grant opportunities are being pursued for this flood mitigation initiative.  The ultimate use of the budgeted funds will be determined as responses are received on each application or other information is made available indicating the likelihood of success with each application.

Depending on the number of lots acquired and re-purposed, the annual cost to the City to maintain the green space could be up to $100,000.

This program serves COUNCIL DISTRICT 7.