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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008 01 14 Informational 103 Federal Funding Available for Gee Creek Bank Stabilization ProjectCOMMISSION AGENDA ITEM 103 January 14, 2008 Meeting CONSENT INFORMATIONAL X PUBLIC HEARING REGULAR MGR ~ /DEPT,~~Y Authorization REQUEST: Public Works Department providing the City Commission with an update regarding new federal funding available for the Gee Creek Bank Stabilization Project in Hacienda Village PURPOSE: The purpose of this agenda item is to provide the City Commission with an update regarding new federal funding available for the Gee Creek Bank Stabilization Project in Hacienda Village CONSIDERATIONS: • On November 28, 2007, Staff received a call from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) notifying the City of new federal funding available to complete a creek bank stabilization project along Gee Creek at Hacienda Village. This project was initiated back in 2005 in response to creek bank erosion caused by the 2004 hurricanes; however, it was not completed because the property owner, Hacienda Village Co-Op, declined to provide their required 25% cost share. NRCS indicated on November 28, 2007 that they would fund up to $100,000 for the project. Since NRCS projects typically consist of a 75% federal share and a 25% local share by the property owner, it was estimated that the total project cost could be up to $133,333, consisting of a 75% share funded by NRCS at $100,000, and a matching contribution by the Co-Op of up to 25%, or $33,333. The Co-Op has confirmed that they are willing to participate at this amount. On December 5, 2007, City staff met with NRCS' Elwyn Cooper onsite to review the project scope and design. This onsite review identified approximately 220 linear feet of creek banks that requires stabilization. Mr. Cooper highly recommended using a stabilization method consisting of sheet piles. Sheet piles are very effective and would offer better long-term erosion protection than the retaining walls and rip-rap that was previously proposed in 2005. NRCS funded sheet piles on several projects in Seminole County in 2005, and they were pleased with the results. Informational Agenda Item 103 January 14, 2008 Page 2 of 2 Using sheet piles, the project cost is estimated to be $300,000. Staff expressed concerns to NRCS about this potential cost increase and has requested that the cost sharing arrangement consist of a 90% federal share and a 10% Co-Op match. The 90-10 cost share would keep the Co-Op's cost share at a maximum of approximately $30,000. NRCS is currently considering this request. NRCS and City staff are currently researching information, costs, and references on sheet pile design engineers and contractors. Staff has contacted MSE Systems and requested an update of their price proposal for the project previously approved by NRCS in 2005, consisting of the installation of retaining walls and rip-rap at various locations along the creek. Retaining walls and rip-rap, when properly designed and installed, offer good erosion protection and generally cost less than sheet piles. The City successfully installed retaining walls and rip-rap at a similar project along Howell Creek in 2005, and Staff believes significant erosion protection can be achieved through the use of retaining walls and sheet piles at this project in Hacienda Village. PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION PLAN: The steps to complete the project are as follows: 1. City to meet with MSE Systems and obtain a price for completing the project using retaining walls and rip-rap. 2. NRCS and the City to determine the total project cost using sheet piles. 3. NRCS to confirm whether a 90-10 cost share can be applied. 4. After the project scope and cost share arrangement is finalized and approved by NRCS, the City, and the Co-Op, a Project Agreement between the City and NRCS will be prepared and submitted to the City Commission for approval. 5. After the Project Agreement is approved, the City will request the Co-Op provide its required cost share. 6. The City will proceed with design and construction. The project will be administered by the City and should be completed within six months of Project Agreement approval. ATTACHMENTS: None COMMISSION ACTION: 011408 COMM Informational 103 Gee Creek Bank Stabilization Project Funding Update