Agenda Item Name:
Title
Approval of Reducing Impacts from Urban Landscapes Grant
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Presenter:
Stacie Greco, Water Resources Program Manager, 352-264-6829
Description:
The Environmental Protection Department received an Urban Landscapes grant for $220,000 over three years. Approval and signature are needed for the program to begin, along with a resolution to recognize unanticipated revenue, a budget amendment and approval for an interfund loan.
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approve and sign the grant application for the Urban Landscapes grant; adopt the resolution to recognize unanticipated revenue and allow expenses for the program; approve the attached budget amendment and approve an inter-fund loan for $220,000.
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Prior Board Motions:
None
Fiscal Consideration:
Fiscal Consideration
The rebates will be for 50% of the costs of the upgrades, residents participating in this program will contribute $220,000 over the life of the program. Approve the interfund loan of $220,000.
Revenue: 258.55.5511.334.3900
Expense: 258.55.5511.537.82.32
Project: 3235504 Landscaping Rebates
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Strategic Guide:
Strategic Guide
Environment
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Background:
There are over 15,000 irrigation systems in Alachua County. Irrigation accounts for up to 60% of residential use and this project aims to reduce this discretionary water use. High water users served by Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) will be targeted for irrigation improvements. Outreach to other communities (e.g. Newberry, High Springs, Alachua) will be extended to encourage participation in the Water Savings, Analytics, and Verification (H20SAV) program or another data sharing method to extend this program to additional high water users outside of the GRU service area. Staff will focus efforts in the Suwannee River Water Management District portion of the County, but the program will not be limited to this region.
Rebates for 50% of project costs ($2,000 maximum for each residential property/parcel and up to $8,000 maximum for each commercial property/parcel) will be offered to users to reduce water use through various actions, including but not limited to: removing or capping irrigation heads, identifying and fixing leaks and overspray, adjusting watering programs, or adding rainfall shut-off devices and installing Florida Friendly Landscaping, particularly native and drought tolerant plants. Groundwater pumping is estimated to be reduced by 0.073 million gallons per Day.
The grant is effective upon signing through September 30, 2025. Revenue for this grant will be booked under fund number 258.55.5511.334.3900 and expenses will be booked under fund number 258.55.5511.537.82.32. This project is titled Urban Landscaping Rebates and it is Project Number 3235504 Landscaping Rebates. Since the rebates will be for 50% of the costs of the upgrades, residents participating in this program will contribute $220,000 over the life of the program.