The Fort Lauderdale City Commission accepted several major grants for various projects and activities.
The Commission accepted a $750,000 grant from Florida Department of Environmental Protection The City Commission approved a $750,000 grant agreement with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) for the NW 21st Avenue Pipe Rehabilitation Stormwater Project. This project includes the rehabilitation of a 54-inch diameter reinforced concrete pipe located along NW 21st Avenue between Sistrunk Boulevard / NW 6th Street and the New River. Acceptance of the grant will not require a local match and will fund approximately 75% of the project’s estimated construction costs. All work must be completed by September 30, 2023.
The Commission passed a resolution accepting grant funds from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)in the amount of $148,000. The grant funds come from the American Rescue Grant Program (ARGP) and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and will be used for costs related to operations, personnel, debt service payments, cleaning, sanitization, janitorial services, and air purification devices focused on the prevention of, preparation for, and response to the Coronavirus at Fort Lauderdale Executive (FXE) Airport.
The Commission passed a resolution approving a grant participation agreement with the Museum of Discovery and Science in the amount of $214,800 to provide 2nd and 4th grade students from all nineteen public elementary schools within Fort Lauderdale with access to museum and school instruction. The funding will be used for professional development courses for approximately 130 teachers, two full days of interactive educational activities at each school, and two full school-day field trips to the Museum of Discovery and Science for over 3,000 students with the goal of improving long-term academic success in the critical STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) subjects. Commissioners discussed the possibility of expanding the program to include private schools in the future.
The Commission approved a $620,000 agreement with Arbor Tree and Land, Inc. for the Tarpon River Dredging Project. The project includes dredging an estimated 2,000 cubic yards of material over 800 linear feet of the Tarpon River to remove silt and other material from the bottom of the river. This will take place from 100 feet west of the SE 9th Avenue bridge to 700 feet east of the SE 9th Avenue bridge.
After a lengthy discussion that included input from various members of the public, the City Commission deferred action on a resolution approving the historic landmark designation of the “New River Castle” located at 625 SW 5th Place in Tarpon River. The property is adjacent to Ann Murray Greenway and features a miniature castle complete with towers, coral rock, and a view of the New River. The robust discussion centered around historical preservation and property owner rights. This item will be deferred to the Regular Commission Meeting on Tuesday, January 18, 2022.
The Commission approved an event agreement with Vision Café Restaurant, Inc. for Medz Brunch. This event is tailored toward mortgage brokers, realtors, and community business owners and is scheduled to take place on the roof of the Las Olas Garage on Saturday, January 1, 2022, from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
