Agenda Item Name:
Title
Waste Reduction Grant
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Presenter:
Patrick Irby, 352.548.1285
Description:
The Waste Reduction Grant was created to tap into the resources of Alachua County’s residents for waste reduction opportunities and ideas. Following the creation of the grant by the BOCC, and RFP process was completed with 3 respondents submitted a total of 5 projects. The evaluation committee is recommending 3 of those projects be approved. One from Beaten Path Compost and the other two from the Repurpose Project.
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approve the 3 projects recommended by the evaluation committee and direct staff develop and enter into reimbursement grant agreements with the respondents for each project.
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Prior Board Motions:
At the April 12, 2022, BOCC meeting, the Board approved the creation of the Waste Reduction Grant.
Fiscal Consideration:
Fiscal Consideration
Sufficient funds exist in account 400.76.7605.541.31.00 to fund the Waste Reduction Grant.
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Strategic Guide:
Strategic Guide
Environment
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Background:
On April 12, 2022, the BOCC approved the creation of the Waste Reduction Grant. Following that approval an RFP was put out to the community soliciting waste reduction project proposals. These projects could represent equipment purchases, expansion of existing programs, creation of educational materials, or any of a multitude of possibilities. The main criteria is that the project align with the concepts put forward in the County’s Zero Waste Plan and help Alachua County reduce the amount of waste being sent to a landfill.
A total of 3 respondents submitted 5 project proposals. Of those 5, the evaluation committee is recommending 3 be approved by the BOCC. The 3 projects being recommended are: 1. the purchase of a flatbed truck to expand the capabilities of Beaten Path Compost to manage organic waste; 2. the purchase of a box truck and a cargo van to expand the capabilities of the Repurpose Project to manage bulky materials; and 3. conducting a pilot project to analyze the quality, quantity, and value of bulk items being disposed of at the Transfer Station to be conducted by the Repurpose Project. Each project has requested the grant limit of $40,000.00. When the grant was approved, $200,000.00 was allocated to it from fund 400. The total value of the proposed projects is $120,000.00 leaving $80,000.00 for future grants. The projects and the evaluation committee recommendations were presented to the Environmental Protection and Economic Development Advisory Committees. Both advisory committees agreed with the recommendations of the grant’s evaluation committee.