M E M O R A N D U M
To: Honorable Mayor and Town Council
From: Rafael G. Casals, Town Manager
Date: October 17, 2018
Re: Authorization to Apply to the 2018 National Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program
REQUESTT
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF TOWN OF CUTLER BAY, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES DIVISION OF FORESTRY 2018 URBAN AND COMMUNITY FORESTRY GRANT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
Funding Source: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS)
Program Title: FY2018 National Urban Forestry Grant Program
Grant Request: up to $20,000 Match Required: 50% of project cost (cash and in-kind)
FDACS released a request for proposals for the 2018 National Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program (the “Grant”). The focus of this year’s grant program is to support Florida communities affected by recent hurricanes and other weather-related events. Funding is available in the following categories:
• Replacement of Urban Canopy due to Storms (Tree Planting);
• Public Tree Inventory or Assessment; and
• Information and Education for Storm Preparedness.
The Town lost approximately 350 trees during Hurricane Irma and desires to apply for funding under the “Replacement of Urban Canopy due to Storms (Tree Planting)” category. The maximum Grant request allowed is $20,000 and the Town is required to provide, at the minimum, a 50% match of the project cost. This can be accomplished through a combination of cash (for trees, maintenance, shrubs, and mulch) and in-kind (staff time, staff supplies, and equipment).
Recommendation
We recommend that the attached resolution be adopted, authorizing the Town to submit a Grant application in the amount of up to $20,000 for tree planting, and provide a 50% match if the Grant is awarded.
Attachment(s)
Ø Attachment “A” - Urban Forestry Application Summary