Title:
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Request for Board approval to submit a grant application to Florida Commerce for the Rebuild Florida Grant Program requesting $2.5 million for the construction of a public safety radio tower; and authorize the County Manager or designee to execute all grant documents associated with the grant application. Countywide (Alan Harris, Emergency Management Director)
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Division:
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Emergency Management - Telecommunications
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Authorized By:
Alan Harris, Emergency Management Director
Contact/Phone Number:
George Woodring/407-665-7168
Background:
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced that the State of Florida would receive Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding to support long-term resiliency and mitigation efforts following the 2023 and 2024 storms. Florida Commerce is the governor-designated state authority responsible for administering these funds.
The Rebuild Florida Infrastructure Repair Program allocated a total of $400 million to fund infrastructure restoration and hardening projects in communities impacted by 2023 and 2024 storms. Seminole County is identified as an eligible county for the program.
Seminole County is applying to construct a public safety communications tower in the Oviedo service area to support the 800 MHz P25 system and microwave backhaul serving 911, governmental, and County/municipal first-response agencies. The new tower will replace the tenancy with a privately owned tower that is identified as significantly overstressed.
The grant allows for 100% costs of the project with 0% match from the applicant. As part of the application process, Seminole County will be required to seek public comment on the application for a 10-day period.
Requested Action:
Staff requests Board approval to submit a grant application to Florida Commerce for the Rebuild Florida Grant Program, requesting $2.5 million for the construction of a radio tower, and authorize the County Manager or designee to execute all grant documents associated with the grant application.