ORDINANCE accepting and authorizing Grant Agreement between the U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD) and City of Houston for Economic Development Initiative – Community Project Funding Grant for the Denver Harbor Stormwater Improvements Project; declaring the City’s eligibility for such Grants; authorizing the Director of the City of Houston Public Works to act as the City’s representative for the Grant, to accept such Grant Funds, and to apply for and accept all subsequent awards, if any pertaining to the program - DISTRICT H - CASTILLO

RECOMMENDATION:

Approve an ordinance accepting and authorizing a grant agreement between the City of Houston and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); and authorizing the Director of Houston Public Works or designee to act as a signatory on the grant agreement, to accept and expend this award, to extend the budget period if needed, and to authorize the Mayor to execute this contract and all subsequent amendments with the approval of the City Attorney in connection with this grant. 

SPECIFIC EXPLANATION:

HUD administers the Economic Development Initiative - Community Project Funding (EDI-CPF) grants, which are congressionally directed allocations aimed at supporting specific projects that address community development needs. By providing financial support, these grants enable communities to undertake initiatives that improve living conditions, stimulate economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for all residents in our communities. 

The City of Houston submitted a Community Project Funding Request to Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia for the Denver Harbor Stormwater Drainage Improvements project which was approved for funding in the 2024 Federal Fiscal Year. The project will consist of the regrading of ditches and realignment of culverts in the eastern portion of Denver Harbor to increase the flow of water through the area and restore the capacity of the local drainage system. The benefits of this project will including reducing street ponding and protecting homes and businesses from flood damage.

The grant agreement between the City and HUD defines the terms and conditions for the management of the federally funded project. The federal cost share for the project will be $850,000.00, which will be used to produce a Design Concept Report (DCR) and a Preliminary Engineering Report (PER). These reports will provide information to secure additional funding for final design and construction of solutions to reduce street ponding and protect homes and businesses from flood damage in Denver Harbor. 

The table below identifies the funding amount, estimated City of Houston share, and total amount of funding from the agreement.

FISCAL NOTE:

No fiscal note is required on grant items.

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Randall V. Macchi, JD

Director, Houston Public Works

$850,000.00 Federal Government - HPW Grant Funded DDSRF (5400)