ORDINANCE approving and authorizing the submission of Grant Application to the TEXAS WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD (TWDB) for funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Flood Mitigation Assistance Program (FMA) for partner projects with FIFTH WARD REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (TIRZ 18), HARDY/NEAR NORTHSIDE REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (TIRZ 21) and HARRISBURG REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (TIRZ 23); 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 in the Grant application process, to accept such Grant Funds, if awarded, and to apply for and accept all subsequent awards, if any pertaining to the program - DISTRICTS B - JACKSON; H - CASTILLO and I - MARTINEZ

RECOMMENDATION:
Approve an ordinance for authorization to apply to the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) for funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Flood Mitigation Assistance program (FMA) for partner projects with Fifth Ward Redevelopment Authority (TIRZ 18), Hardy/Near Northside Redevelopment Authority (TIRZ 21) and Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority (TIRZ 23); declaring the City's eligibility for such grant; authorizing the Director of Houston Public Works or designee to act as a signatory on the grant applications with authority to apply.

SPECIFIC EXPLANATION:

The FEMA Flood Mitigation Assistance program (FMA) is a federal grant program designed to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk of flood damage to people and property. It provides funding to state and local governments for projects that mitigate flood risks, particularly for National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) -  insured properties.

Applications were prepared and submitted on behalf of TIRZ 18, TIRZ 21, and TIRZ 23:

TIRZ 18 - Fifth Ward - Gregg Street (District B) - This area is located along Gregg Street, Melva, and Market Street in the Fifth Ward Neighborhood. The proposed drainage improvements will discharge south into Buffalo Bayou. These improvements are expected to reduce street ponding and remove flooding from approximately 88 structures currently subject to inundation in the 100-year storm event.

TIRZ 21 - Northside Calvacade (District H) - The project area is located within the boundaries of TIRZ 21 just north of downtown in the near Northside neighborhood. The improvements are expected to reduce street ponding and remove flooding from 297 structures currently subject to inundation in the 100-year storm event. This area includes residential and commercial properties.

TIRZ 23 - Harrisburg Eastwood Area (District I) - The project area is located east of Downtown Houston with Harris County. The project includes improvements to a storm sewer trunkline along N Eastwood St from Harrisburg Blvd and outfalling to Buffalo Bayou. This project area includes residential and commercial properties.

There is a 10% local match requirement. The TIRZ/redevelopment authorities will be responsible for providing the local match. Should the individual projects be selected for funding, Houston Public Works will bring acceptance of the grant agreements and approval of Interlocal Agreement(s) to City Council for approval. 

The table below identifies the requested funding amounts and anticipated local match requirements.

FISCAL NOTE:

No fiscal note is required on grant items.

_________________________________

Randall V. Macchi, JD

Director, Houston Public Works

$80,276,907.00 Fed/Local/State Pass Fund (5030)

$8,919,656.40 - Contribution for Capital Projects (4510) (Future Appropriation)