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Item T1BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY Meeting Date: 16 April 2003 Division: Growth Management Bulk Item: Yes No X Department: Marine Resources AGENDA ITEM WORDING: Update briefing on wastewater management projects and issues. ITEM BACKGROUND: The County Administrator informed the BOCC at its June 20, 2002, regular meeting, that staff will provide briefing updates on the status of wastewater projects and issues to the BOCC on at least a monthly basis. In addition to a oral briefing, the staff will prepare a written update report intended for insertion in the Wastewater Project Book provided to the BOCC at the June meeting. A staff representative from the FKAA has also been asked to attend the meeting and to provide the Commission with further updates on their projects as necessary. PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION: NA CONTRACT/AGREEMENT CHANGES: NA STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS; NA TOTAL COST: NA BUDGETED: Yes COST TO COUNTY: NA SOURCE OF FUNDS: REVENUE PRODUCING: Yes No X AMOUNT Per Month APPROVED BY: County Atty NA DIVISION DIRECTOR APPROVAL: DOCUMENTATION: DISPOSITION: Included X To Follow Not No Year Risk Management NA . of Growth AGENDA ITEM NO.: T1 BC030450 03/27/03 6:41 AM Memorandum Department of Marine Resources 2798 Overseas Highway, Suite 420 Marathon, Florida 33050 Voice: (305) 289 2507 FAX: (305) 289 2536 Email: garrett- eoreer�monroecounty-fl com DATE: 9 April, 2003 TO: Board of County Commissioners FROM: James L. Roberts, County Administrator Board of County Commissioners Mayor Dixie Spehar, Dist. 1 Mayor Pro Tern Murray Nelson, Dist. 5 Commissioner George Neugent, Dist. 2 Commissioner Charles "Sonny" McCoy, Dist. 3 Commissioner David Rice, Dist. 4 SUBJECT: Staff Update Report (# 04-03) on Wastewater Master Plan Implementation Issues The staff report has been revised slightly to make the document easier to read. Subject matter has now been provided with a brief "background" statement followed by "update" information. The updates will be current to the month since the last BOCC meeting and monthly staff report. Achievements, since they are beginning to add up, have been moved to the end of the staff report as, Attachment 3. The staff of the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority will be on hand at the April Commission meeting to update the Board on progress to date. The FKAA staff report is attached for review (Attachment 1) and the March report will be handed out at the meeting.. AVAILABLE FUNDS FOR WASTEWATER Federal Funds - $100 M Congressional Authorization: Background: Public Law 106-554 authorized the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) to "provide technical and financial assistance to carry out projects for the planning, design and construction of treatment works to improve water quality in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Congress may appropriate up to 100 million dollars through previous authorization language. Update: Attached is a letter dated March 27, 2003 to Congressman David Hobson, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development (See Attachment 2). The letter is signed by each member of the Florida congressional delegation and requests consideration of a $30 million appropriation in the FY04 budget. FEMA Funds: Background: In response to damages and losses which occurred as a result of Hurricane Georges, Congress enacted Public Law 106-31, Emergency Supplemental Appropriations BC030451 04/01/03 8:34 AM Act for Fiscal Year 1999 to fund long term disaster recovery projects in Florida counties whose needs were unmet through primary disaster relief funds. Monroe County requested that a substantial amount of the funds made available to it, be utilized for wastewater improvement projects. There are four FEMA wastewater projects in the County, Key Largo Trailer Village, Conch Key, Baypoint, and one project in Islamorada. These projects must be complete by the end of September 2005. Update: It is expected that Supplemental Environmental Assessment hearings will held during April or May (Conch Key) and May or June (Key Largo and Baypoint) in order to take the final step toward providing FEMA construction funds to each of three projects in the County and one in Islamorada. Preliminary planning and engineering design funds have already been provided. Dates have not been finalized for these hearings. FDEP State funding: Background: Pursuant to Specific Appropriation 1765A of the 2002 - 2003 General Appropriations Act (Chapter 2002-334, Laws of Florida), funding in the amount of $ 11.8 million was provided was broken into three categories and may fund either wastewater or stormwater projects. o First, $1.66 million was provided to qualifying projects in Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, and Key West. o Second, $200,000 was provided both Layton and Key Colony Beach. o Third, the remaining funds ($4.76 million) will be provided to qualifying projects in hotspot areas as identified in the Wastewater Master Plan. The County and municipalities have agreed in a joint resolution to the equitable split of these funds. The County's share will be $1.112 million. Then, if there are any funds left over, additional projects will be considered in an additional round of funding. Update: Since its March meeting, all County sponsored projects have been submitted to the State (FDEP) and all requests for additional information have been met. The North Key Largo Utility project is complete. An amendment to the project Contract (LP0337) is on the BOCC agenda for April, which will allow the County to submit invoices for payment on this project. The Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District project has been finalized and an amendment to their Contract with FDEP (LP0338) has been approved by the District Board, which will allow the Utility to submit invoices on the project. However, the Board is considering a rebid of the project to tie the Key Largo Park and Key Largo Trailer contracts together. If this occurs, the contracts for work in the two areas will be delayed until June. This will not delay the initiation of construction. The Key West Resort Utilities (KWRU) project cannot meet the requirements of the FDEP grant (LP0337). The bid process undertaken by Key West Resort Utility met legal standards for a private utility, but could not meet the same test for public entity, as assessed by the State. 2 Therefore, KWRU will not be eligible for the funding set out in LP0337. The funding instead will be shifted to the Key Largo Treatment District project at Key Largo Park. An item of note is that a request for $3 million additional dollars from the State has been passed by the House within the Florida State Legislature. The Senate has not passed a similar appropriation in their budget. The Commission will likely see an agenda item at it April meeting requesting that the Senate include the $3 million in their budget package. See Attachment 2 — a KeyNoter Article. Remaining Cesspool Elimination Funds: Background: Under the Cesspool Identification and Elimination Program (CIEA), funds were provided through four contracts to Monroe County to be used as grants to property owners assist in the cost of upgrading cesspools to approved on -site wastewater nutrient reduction systems (OWNRS). Two to the contracts were utilized to completion and have helped to eliminate cesspools in all areas defined as "Coldspots." These contracts provided approximately $1,000,000 in cesspool replacement grant funds. As the CIEA program is complete in the Coldspot areas at this time, it has been the direction of the Commission to shift remaining funds to other projects where cesspools must be replaced. The remaining contract funds amount to $1,225,600. Update: The Transition Agreement with the Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District, the FKAA, and the County was approved at a special meeting on February 24, 2003. As agreed upon in the Transition Agreement, cesspool replacement funds have been shifted to Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District projects. No cesspool funds have been requested to date from the KLWTD. Other Grant Opportunities: Background: Under House Bill 851 (FY 2002), the County developed a wastewater project proposal for the Key Largo area. Similarly, the FKAA submitted several different proposals, one for each of its current wastewater project areas. The Key Largo proposal and other FKAA proposals were submitted in the early part of November. Update: No action in March 2003. Background: Rick Casey of the Monroe County Housing Authority had been very hopeful of receiving a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for approximately $350,000. This request fell through in October but apparently was revitalized in January when one of those agencies awarded funds failed to qualify in the final review. As the County was next in line, apparently the County will be receiving a share of the current grant funds. Staff understands that the amount is substantially more than originally requested, approximately $637,500. Update: The BOCC approved receipt of CDBG funds ($637,500) immediately as outlined above at its 19 March 2003 meeting 9 Issues That Need to be Addressed ✓ o Need to adopt financial assistance criteria for economically disadvantaged households throughout the County. o Need to develop a revolving loan program for all areas served by investor -owned utilities sponsored with funding by the County. Recommended BOCC Action: o Consideration of additional recommendations for financial assistance programs. Significant Future Milestones/Actions: o Decision on financial assistance programs as recommended by staff. [Target Date: June Commission meeting) WASTEWATER GOVERNANCE FKAA: Background: The FKAA is the County's wastewater authority within unincorporated areas of the County and outside of other wastewater jurisdictions such as the KWRU or KLWTD. The County is working with the FKAA on projects on Conch Key, Baypoint, and Big Coppitt. Update: No specific action since the March BOCC meeting. Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District: Background: With its creation in June of 2002 and the election of Board member is November of 2002, the Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District (KLWTD) is currently an independent Utility District. They will need County and FKAA assistance in a transition process over the first six months to one year. Update: The KLWTD has become largely self sufficient culminated by the adoption, at the BOCC special meeting held on February 24, 2003, of the tri-party transition agreement between the Utility, the County, and The FKAA. Staff will be meeting with the Utility Board staff to complete remaining portions or the transition agreement within the next week. The Utility has completed obligations to receive funds from the FDEP for its portion of 1765A State budget appropriations ($1,660,000). They have approved the grant amendment to the FDEP agreement for these funds to allow invoicing and disbursement of the funds. In review of the Key Largo Trailer Village and Key Largo Park project proposal, the KLWTD is considering an effort to 19 consolidate the projects for simplicity of implementation and to potentially reduce start-up costs. Contracts for the two projects should be completed by June. Staff from both the FKAA and County have also been working with the KLWTD to provide a smooth transition on FEMA funds. Timing for receipt of the FEMA funds is critical and thus far staff has focused on transitioning from the County and the FKAA to the Utility, not as much on what happens then — as in the case of tracking the FEMA obligations. All efforts of the Utility are currently on schedule. Issues That Need to be Addressed: o None at this time Recommended BOCC Action: o None at this time Significant Future Milestones/Actions: o None at this time PROGRAMMATIC IMPLEMENTATION PLAN Background: Staff has indicated that it will work to provide a long-range implementation program for wastewater projects. To a limited extent this has happened through the capital budget process and through the efforts on -going with the ACOE to develop projects under the congressional $100M authorization. An integration of all of these components remians to be completed. Update: No Additional Update at this time. Issues That Need to be Addressed: o Need for realistic programmatic implementation plan that establishes policies on reasonable connection fees and monthly charges; project and financing priorities; and a schedule for programming of wastewater projects based on available identified funding in accordance with the Sanitary Wastewater Master Plan. o Need to revise the Seven Year Work Program in the Monroe County Year 2010 Comprehensive Plan to reflect the results of the adopted programmatic implementation plan. Recommended BOCC Action: o Consideration of recommended draft programmatic implementation plan prepared by County and FKAA staff. E Significant Future Milestones/Actions: o Approval of programmatic implementation plan for the Sanitary Wastewater Master Plan [Target Date: July 2003 Commission meeting) FEMA UNMET NEEDS PROJECTS A. General Background: In response to damages and losses which occurred as a result of Hurricane Georges, Congress enacted Public Law 106-31, Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 1999 to fund long term disaster recovery projects in Florida counties whose needs were unmet through primary disaster relief funds. Monroe County requested that a substantial amount of the funds made available to it, be utilized for wastewater improvement projects. There are four FEMA wastewater projects in the County, Key Largo Trailer Village, Conch Key, Baypoint, and one project in Islamorada. These projects must be complete by the end of September 2005. Update: Staff met with FEMA, FDCA, and FDEP project managers to discus progress and the current time line for this project on December 11, 2002. The current focus is on following through with required Supplemental Environmental Assessment hearings for each of the FEMA projects. This will happen in the May/June time frame. Issues That Need to be Addressed: o Complete FEMA Supplemental Environmental Assessment hearings Recommended BOCC Action: o None at this time Significant Future Milestones/Actions: o None at this time B. Key Largo Trailer Village (MM 100 +/-) Background: After reduction in the size of the Key Largo wastewater project, staff returned to the original FEMA project list for Key Largo. Key Largo Trailer Village was selected as a prime site in need of wastewater improvements under the guidelines of the FEMA Unmet Gl Needs congressional appropriation. It is a very low-lying area with a large number of unknown wastewater systems. Update: Staff met with FEMA, FDCA, and FDEP project managers to discus progress and the current time line for this project on December 11, 2002. It is anticipated that FEMA Supplemental Environmental Assessment hearings will occur in May for this project. At that time, KLWTD will be able to complete the bid process for this project and initiate a construction contract. As noted in other areas of the report staff continues to work with the FKAA and FEMA to get the KLWTD up to speed with FEMA project obligations in preparation for upcoming hearings and in order for the Utility to be in complete knowledge and control of the project. Issues That Need to be Addressed: o Complete FEMA Supplemental Environmental Assessment hearings. o Complete transition process between the County, FKAA, KLWTD, and FEMA for project management o Complete Project construction bid process and initiate construction contracts Recommended BOCC Action: o None at this time Significant Future Milestones/Actions: o Completion of FEMA hearings [Target Date: May 2003 KL WTD meetings] o Complete transition process between the County, FKAA, KLWTD, and FEMA for project management. [Target Date: July 2003] 0 o Initiation of construction contracts [Target Date: June 2003 KLWTD meetings] C. Conch Key (MM 61) Background: Conch Key was selected as a prime site in need of wastewater improvements under the guidelines of the FEMA Unmet Needs congressional appropriation. It is a very low-lying area with a large number of unknown wastewater systems. Update: Staff met with FEMA, FDCA, and FDEP project managers to discus progress and the current time line for this project on December 11, 2002. It is anticipated that FEMA Supplemental Environmental Assessment hearings will occur in May for this project. At that time, FKAA will be able to complete the bid process for this project and initiate a construction contract. 7 Issues That Need to be Addressed: o Complete FEMA Supplemental Environmental Assessment hearings. o Complete Project construction bid process and initiate construction contracts Recommended BOCC Action: o None at this time Significant Future Milestones/Actions: o Completion of FEMA hearings [Target Date: May 2003] o Initiation of construction contracts [Target Date: June 200] D. Baypoint (MM 15) Background: Baypoint was selected as a prime site in need of wastewater improvements under the guidelines of the FEMA Unmet Needs congressional appropriation. It is a very low-lying area with a large number of unknown wastewater systems. Update: Staff met with FEMA, FDCA, and FDEP project managers to discus progress and the current time line for this project on December 11, 2002. The FEMA Supplemental Environmental Assessment hearings are slated for the June timeframe. Issues That Need to be Addressed: o Complete FEMA Supplemental Environmental Assessment hearings. o Complete Project construction bid process and initiate construction contracts Recommended BOCC Action: o None at this time Significant Future Milestones/Actions: o Completion of FEMA hearings [Target Date: June 2003] o Initiation of construction contracts [Target Date: July 2003] KEY WEST RESORT UTILITIES (STOCK ISLAND EXPANSION) Background: In July of 2002, the Commission approved a contract to complete wastewater improvements on south Stock Island through the Key West Resort Utility (KWRU). In E:j December the Commission approved a Resolution requesting that the KWRU begin a process to design and construct improvements to their plant to meet AWT nutrient standards. In January, the Commission heard from a number of property owners concerned about the connection requirements and agreements with KWRU. Staff has been working on those issues with KWRU from that time. Update: Since the week of the Board's last meeting, Staff has met with KWRU twice, both times at the Key West Golf Club and once (as part of the second meeting) on the streets of south Stock Island in order to consider specific properties. At staffs last meeting with the Utility, we completed our assessment of the project and agreed upon the guidelines for a uniform connection policy. We have been working to complete recommendations and to complete a resolution for Uniform Connection Policy for the Board at its April BOCC meeting. Discussion of financing options (general and low/very low income) was raised at several of the meetings with KWRU. Recommendation in this regard and an ordinance to enact those recommendations will be before the Board at it June meeting. The Board approved a Contract with Key West Resort Utility to provide some of the State 1776A funding to the Stock Island project — in the amount of $134,822. All requirements to receive the funding were submitted by the March 1 deadline. Clarification has been requested by FDEP, particularly related to the bidding process used to hire the project contractor. Though entirely legal for a private utility, the bidding process has been rejected as non -responsive for public entities by the State to the grant requirements concerning project procurement procedures. Thus, KWRU will not be eligible for these funds. The Funds are now be shifted, it is anticipated to the Key Largo Park project to provide additional funding there. Issues That Need to be Addressed: o Review of Connection policies for Key West Resort Utilities — what properties are served to what degree, and at who's expense. Recommended BOCC Action: o Establishment of a Uniform Wastewater Connection policy for Key West Resort Utilities and the rest of the Keys under FKAA and KLWTD authority — what properties are served to what degree, and at who's expense. Significant Future Milestones/Actions: o Approval of a uniform wastewater connection policy for all areas of the Keys, including Key West Resort Utilities [Target Date: April 2003 Commission meeting or later] LOWER KEYS WASTEWATER (MM 7.0 TO MM 11.0) Background: Big Coppitt has been the focus of the Commission as the next wastewater project to be undertaken. 9 Update: The FKAA is initiating preliminary work to develop engineering design criteria for the Big Coppitt area. This will begin in detail in October. Information developed by the FKAA will be evaluated to determined what the best management options are for the area. A preferred approach will be presented to the Commission in May. The Board rescinded its previous action to complete a request for qualifications process to initiate surveying, and design work on Big Coppitt at its last meeting in March. Instead, the Commission has selected to await the findings of the FKAA as it completes its preliminary project feasibility report by May. Issues That Need to be Addressed: o Need to determine the preferred wastewater management option for Big Coppitt, including preliminary system capital and operating costs. o Need to seek additional funding for the project as the next project in priority from the Sanitary Wastewater Master Plan. Recommended BOCC Action: o Consideration of recommendations of staff on preferred wastewater management options for Big Coppitt. o Direct staff to seek funding for the Big Coppitt wastewater project. Significant Future Milestones/Actions: o Consideration of project proposals for wastewater management options on Big Coppitt to determine the preferred wastewater management option. [Target Date: May 2003 BOCC meeting) o Acceptance of grant funds to further develop the Big Coppitt wastewater project. [Target Date: To be determined] EPA DECENTRALIZED WASTEWATER DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM Background: In the 1999 congressional appropriations process, the County was granted $3.8 million to initiate a decentralized wastewater / centralized utility management demonstration project. The project when initiated requires a 25 percent match from the County. This project has literally taken on a life of its own. It has been difficult to initiate the project with all in agreement as to the best approach for undertaking it. 10 Update: At the March Commission meeting, the Board approved a process to request proposals (RFP) which would ask for assistance and direction in completing the EPA grant application and initiating the project with a focus on improving on -site technology and reducing the operation and maintenance cost of on -site wastewater systems meeting the 2010 wastewater standards.. Since the Boards approval of this approach staff has agreed to place an RFP on the agenda for April. In addition, the EPA presented the program concept at the Water Quality Protection Program Steering Committee meeting on April 3, 2003. At that meeting, a letter was presented to the Steering Committee addressed to Commissioner Nelson outlining the need to move ahead on the proj ect. Issues That Need to be Addressed: o Need to prepare a Request for Proposals to determine how the grant funds will be used and to prepare an application to receive the EPA decentralized utility grant award. Recommended BOCC Action: o Approval of the Request for Proposals o Agreement to submit grant application to EPA. Significant Future Milestones/Actions: o Approval of the Request for Proposals [Target Date: April 2003 Commission meeting) o Approval of EPA grant for Decentralized Utility funding. [Target Date: July 2003 Commission meeting) OTHER ISSUES Background: From time to time other issues will arise concerning wastewater which do not conform to the format in the rest of the monthly report. They will be placed in this section Update: None since the March 2003 BOCC meeting. Issues That Need to be Addressed: o None at this time Recommended BOCC Action: o None at this time Significant Future Milestones/Actions: 11 o None at this time 12 Attachment 1 FKAA April 2003 update 13 Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority Wastewater Report April 2003 Little Venice Wastewater System United Engineering Corporation (UEC) is continuing with the construction of the originally bid wastewater system. Notable points of construction are: • Vacuum Collection System ■ Construction of the underground Collection System pipeline work is approximately 80% complete, and pipeline construction on US 1 is now required to be completed. ■ Construction of the vacuum sewer system valve pits and laterals services (to the right of way lines) continues in the neighborhoods. ■ Restoration in the neighborhoods and US 1 has improved but continues to lag the pipeline construction. ■ A change order that modifies the vacuum mains crossing of US 1 is still being negotiated with UEC. Upon acceptance of the change, the crossing should now be completed in May 2003. • Advanced Wastewater Treatment (AWT) Plant ■ Platforming around the wastewater treatment unit tankage is being installed. ■ Excavation of the vacuum and pump station has been completed. ■ FKAA has changed contract managers to provide better project management, and to mitigate potential construction delays. ■ However, work on the AWT Plant has not been prosecuted in a timely manner. 0 Customer Hookup and Systems Operation ■ FKAA has internally discussed the coordination, and procedures for the customer hook ups. ■ A plumber's coordination meeting has been scheduled for 29 April 2003. ■ Subsequent coordination with the DOH and City of Marathon will then be required. ■ The FKAA is preparing a draft of the operations and maintenance contract that is scheduled to be completed by 30 June 2003. The following occurred during the month concerning the Little Venice Expanded (expanded service area) contract: ■ The apparent low bidder Kenko, Inc. who previously requested that their bid be withdrawn, has recanted their withdrawal. ■ FKAA intends to award the contract to them at the FKAA April Board meeting. ■ Construction is expected to commence upon USEPA issuing their Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) that is expected in May 2003. Marathon Central 14 Subsequent to the denial of the appeal to the Florida Supreme Court concerning the Bond Validation process, FKAA and the City of Marathon met twice to discuss moving forward with the program. During the month: • The FKAA and the City identified a phased approach (up to 6 phases) to moving forward with the City of Marathon Central Wastewater System. • The large scale single phase Central Wastewater System project was considered to be too big of a program to be undertaken, and did not allow flexibility for future funding potentials. • This approach has been submitted for consideration under the potential Florida Keys Water Quality Improvement Program ($100 M Federal Fund). • The FKAA and the City will reinitiate Task Force meetings with a meeting on 16 April 2003 to coordinate the effort. Conch Key A preliminary design report has been received and reviewed by FKAA, and revisions to the report are now required. Otherwise, as reported earlier: • FKAA submitted the Basis of Conceptual Design Report as a condition of the Supplemental Environmental Assessment (SEA) information required by FEMA. • A site -specific SEA public workshop is currently scheduled to be conducted in April 2003. • Staff has applied for $200,000 of funding under the State of Florida Water Projects Funding (WPF) grant program in an effort to obtain supplemental funding for the project. Key Largo Trailer Village FKAA is coordinating with FEMA to close out the environmental assessment portion of the project. A plan for an alternate wastewater system plan was submitted to FEMA during the month as additional information in support of the environmental assessment. A FEMA coordination meeting has been scheduled for 23 April 2003. It is FKAA's understanding that the Design Build Proposals received from four contractors in February 2003 are under consideration by the Key Largo Sewer Board. Key Largo Park It is FKAA's understanding that the Construction Bids received from four contractors in February 2003 are under consideration by the Key Largo Sewer Board. Bay Point FKAA submitted additional information to FEMA as a condition of the Supplemental Environmental Assessment (SEA) information during the month. Otherwise, as reported earlier: • Design of the system continued during the month in order to meet the scheduled deadlines. • A site -specific SEA public workshop will be conducted by FEMA in April or May. • Staff has applied for $400,000 of funding under the State of Florida Water Projects Funding (WPF) grant program in an effort to obtain supplemental funding for the project. 15 Big Coppitt Key, Geiger Key and Rockland Key Preparation of the wastewater facilities plan and cost of service study for the system continued during the month. A meeting with FDEP is scheduled on 11 April 2003 to discuss the prospect of constructing pipeline bridge or subaqueous crossings to the KWRU VWVTP. Attachment 2 Appropriation Requests 17 ,r 08 03 08:24a James L Roberts Co Rdmin 305-292-4544 FROM Canmorwsa 1 th Consu 1 It i ng FA> NQ. 703 524 Rpr. 04 2,JIU3 01:31PM p2 Congress of the aniteh Mates �trghtrt�torr, �� 2D51� l�y��t''� Much 27, 2003 The Honorable David L. Hobson, Chairman House Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development 2362 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Mr. Chairman: We are writing in support of $30 million in funding for Florida Keys wastewater infrastructure improvemenec. 71C Florida Keys are home to the Earth's third -largest coral barrier reef, and are one of the worlTs best known, most visited and most threatened tropical marine ecosystems. Much of the region's irreplaceable natural t•esources arc under the protection of three national parks, four national wildlife refuges, and the country's second-largest national marine sanctuary, which help attract 3 million visitors to the Keys annually. From the establishment of the Key West rational Wildlife Refuge nearly a cLviuuy ago, to the creation of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary in 1990, our nation has made a substantial investment in protecting the biological wealth of this remarkable region. Adjacent to the Florida Keys land mass arc located spectacular, unique, and nationally significant marine environments," noted Congress in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act (Public Law 101-605)." "These marine environments support rich biological communities possessing extensive conservation, recreational, commercial, ecological, historical, research, educational and aesthetic values which give this area special national significance. •' Monroe County and incorporated municipalities within the County have embarked on an ambiiious plan to comprehensively address the area's infrastructure needs. This collaborative effort is Possible through funding available by the passage ot'Tlte Florida Kcys Water Quality Improvements Act (P.L. 106-534) in 2000. We rospectfully request an appropriation of T30 million trough the Energy and Water Dsvelopment appropriations bill in FY04 to assist the local gover►unents in the first phase of these critical infrastructure improvements. Sincerely, I�W Ilearta Rosd.ehtinen . et er Deutse Lincoln Diaz -Helen '— /)�ItJ Q • /'t u rt `Kendrick Meek P9�NTEU ON AY.C+[l[C ►DOER p.2 0 NOTER - NENI� Wedrinday, /4e4 o oma s House_,ONs.$�M fog . But item is not .... in Senate's plan By ALYSON MATLEY amalley®keynoteccom The push is on to secure more sorely needed funding for waste- water and stormwater improve- ments in the Keys. This week, the state House of Representatives approved a budget that includes a $3 million amend- ment for Keys projects, according to an announcement issued by Rep. Ken Sorensen. Although the addition to the budget passed the House, there is no similar item in the Senate's pro- posed budget, according to Monroe County Commissioner Murray Nelson, who serves as the county's liaison with Sorensen. ,.I'll have an item on next Week's (County Commission) agenda," said Nelson, "encourag- ing Sen. [Larcenia] Bullard to sup- port the appropriation" Nelson says that if the $3 mil- lion were added to the state bud- get; it would likely be distributed focally by the Intergovernmental monway speeds. Task Force that's made up of rep- resentatives of the county and each Keys municipality. At the same time, a bipartisan coalition of U.S. congressmen has issued a letter requesting that $30 million in federal funding be appropriated this year for Keys wastewater infrastructure improve- ments. Reps. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Peter Deutsch, Lincoln Diaz- Balart, Mario Diaz-Balart and Kendrick Meek have requested that the funds be appropriated in fiscal year 2004. In 2000, Congress authorized $100 million in wastewater fund- ing for the Keys through the Florida Keys Water Quality Improvements Act. The US. Army Corps of Engineers and the South Florida Water Management District are to distribute that money. However, none has yet been appropriated. In recent months, county and state officials have wrangled over the best way to encourage Congress to begin the flow of • Treated oivwood floo• wan steer center cnanne' • wastewater Ifunds. Sorensen attempted to redi- rect the money.through a state agency, but after some vacillating, the county stuck with the original plan proposed by Congress to go through the Water Management District. To date, more than $44 million has been committed by county, state and federal sources to upgrade Keys wastewater systems. According to County Marine Resources Director George Garrett, a number of these projects are facing deadlines this year. For example, Conch Key and Bay Point must have spent money pro- vided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency by September or risk losing it. Sorensen last month introduced a bill that would create a trust fund aimed at retaining funds where projects are falling behind dead- lines. -lpAN 1fl1f111AHE11i11AttDQ 7 Mile Bridge Run a • to /Uttt!!tlUU!!!t!lUUttUliltit In brief Auto pk up t In hlt-and-run If partial-artial- ly up on a parked Corvette that had been pushed into a parked Key West police arrested an Mazda, she said. alleged hit-and-run driver who They told Officer Keith reportedly tried to run down two Rendueles the passenger from the -messes to a crash that piled up pickup got out and tried to pull the parked vehicles on Truman truck off the scooters. Avenue, according to police Jorge Luis Arauz Martinez, 32, spokeswoman Cynthia Edwards. was arrested for leaving the scene Hearing a loud crash about 4 of an accident with more than $50 a.m. Sunday, neighbors in the damage, and leaving the scene 1400 block of Truman Avenue with injuries. Damage was esti- came out of their houses. They mated at almost $10,000. Improving your earning potential while helping others! Marathon Manor, the area's skilled nursing facility that services the elders of your community, is offering a program to help you become a certified nursing assistant. To participate in our test preppi2gram, applicants should desire to work full or part time at the facility. There is no charge for the class, but excellent attendance is a must. CNA's help patients to return to health, prepare to go home, or stay in our facility but function at their highest potential. Bathing, dressing and meal services are examples of the support you will offer them. Interested persons should call Suzan Eckers, DONs at 305-743-4466 ext. 201.DFWP/EOE. tiler Event %" $� 6'x12' Worksport Cargo Trailer • Slae doo• and non SKIC rear ramp • Dexter EZ-tube hubs • Painted 3/4' oivwood !loot • Po add capacity 1,790 Ibs Vv5612K 2;4S4r � J., t s� 6'x10' Worksport °Nnenef Enclosed Trailer With Side Door • 299C1 :o-. GVVv4 s,die ox • Standard rear acume aoore • Fainted 314 th - plvwooa Hoc, .cwaes nose s iono sdrero rnmns c+ NSb I OHC '201552' $ L75 Wx 10' Worksport Enclosed Trailer • 299_ lbs. GV Vk. s,naie axle • S:onnard rear double doors • Panted 14- mac, plvwood floor • DO-, apDr.,ec 12 volt Itohnna system Cotes nose ­k and sa!e', Choirs V6610HD 20148:: 40595 ;2514 U, aPayments On •rl pu,c�ws No Marathon No Interest ov szsg « „ko,a For on you,Na Dew 4555 Overseas Hwy 0enerol merchandise prices may vory after 4/13/2003 if there are morket variations Icommodbies exckded! i ' Tenths x:ennnr, c,.aa c.,a (305) 289-1966 Key Oak Twos: 6 Morrtlr Credt ONer Pavrtwnts are not required fa 6 months on any opproyed purchase of S299 a more charged to your Home Depot' (onsumer Credit (ord account, finance charges and optional insurance charges will be billed from the date of purchase, but Pura ce ch�orges will be reversed h the promotional,purchase and i insurance charges are paid in full whin 6 months. If the are not, you will be responsible for these charges. Regular credit terms apply to nontpromotional purchases. APR is 21 % 118% in IA) and 15.48% for purchases ol'1000 er more. Min. Hnance char rs 5I.00 (S.Sni in In Offer sub�ect to aedrt approval Valid atoll U.S. Home �pot' sto es. Alismam MonfMT Pmoosts: the payment shown ore on estimate of your required minimum monthhy payments and assume that you have no existing haence, make no additional fu:rhases,t t Ya? nimw m payment ;the payn:ec, due da+e each month, end that yct do not incur any addihrd lees. t ual m,rmllrn motor; pr7�.h tutu, eon+ These nrymerr onnhr only tm the Hr ire prat Consumer (o d. • .. • - - %. AE449811 MKT•198 ............................ ........................ ..--...--..--................ ...-... ...... ....,.�....��r.*w1t Attachment 3 List of Achievements AVAILABLE FUNDS FOR WASTEWATER Issues Addressed/Actions Taken o Approval by the BOCC to provide funds to the FKAA in the amount of $200,000 to offset costs of preliminary engineering efforts to complete requirements to receive State funds at Key Largo Park. o Approval of staff recommendations for use of remaining FDEP, FDCA, and County funds remaining from cesspit replacement program. o Approval of a Resolution requesting that the State's Congressional delegation assess the feasibility of shifting any federal appropriations funds for wastewater in the Florida for management and dissemination by the Florida Department of Community Affairs. o Approval by the BOCC to provide an additional $156,000 to the FKAA for development of the state funded Key Largo Park wastewater project. o Approval of a revised Resolution to seek a dual path for funding wastewater projects, one through the existing federal authorization and the other through the efforts of the County's State Representative to have appropriations provided to a State Trust Fund administered by FDCA. o Submitted a project proposal for Key Largo under the auspices of House Bull 851. o Attendance or the Board at a meeting with Ileana Ros-Lehtinen's staff to discuss approaches federal wastewater funding. o Meeting held with Ileana Ros-Lehtinen's office regarding the most appropriate mechanism to obtain the $ 100 million appropriation. Indication was that the current approach is the best. o Introduction of House Bill 0101 which would create a wastewater / stormwater trust fund to be administered through FDCA. o Contracts approved and signed to move forward on acquiring state funds for North Key Largo Utility and Key West Resort Utility. o County staff provided appropriations requests to Senator Graham and Nelson's offices. The amount of the requested funds was $3,000,000 to initiate priority projects in the coming year. WASTEWATER GOVERNANCE Issues Addressed/Actions Taken o MSTUs advertised and adopted for Conch Key, Marathon, Bay Point, and Big Coppitt o A District Manager (Management Firm — GSG/Robert Sheets), a District Engineer (Boyle Engineering) were hired, and number of Key Resolutions (Rates & Fees and Request for MSTU), were passed by the Key Largo Wastewater Utility District. o Transition agreement approved between the County, FKAA, and the Key Largo Wastewater Utility Board. o MSTU to be advertised in May at the BOCC meeting for the Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District. PROGRAMMATIC IMPLEMENTATION PLAN Issues Addressed/Action Taken: 19 o Approval by BOCC of policies on "reasonable" connection fees and monthly service charges and public financial assistance to wastewater projects and economically disadvantage households. FEMA UNMET NEEDS PROJECTS E. Key Largo Trailer Village (MM 101.5) and Key Largo Park (MM 100.5) Issues Addressed/Addressed Taken: o Approval by the BOCC assigning $1.66 million in available State funds to expand the Key Largo Trailer Village FEMA project to include Key Largo Park. o Approval of a resolution with the FKAA for the use of $1.66 million in FDEP funds to move forward toward constructing the Key Largo Park project and the designation of up to $200,000 in Fund 148 dollars to assist the FKAA in on -going engineering costs for the Key Largo project. o Approval of an additional $156,000 in funding for project development at Key Largo Park. o Approval of a revision to the Inter -local Agreement with FKAA to allow direct payment to Boyle Engineering for engineering services on Key Largo Park. o Approval of a joint transition agreement with the FKAA and the Wastewater District on the Key Largo Trailer Village project. F. Conch Key (MM 61) Issues Addressed/Addressed Taken: o Approval by the BOCC of the selection of the stand-alone wastewater management option for Conch Key on June 20, 2002. o Approval of an agreement with FDOT for the proposed wastewater treatment plant site on the north side of the Overseas Highway, Conch Key o Decision not to move forward in acquiring property on the south side of the Overseas Highway, Conch Key. o Held informal workshops with the Conch Key community in early December 2002 G. Baypoint (MM 15) Issues Addressed/Addressed Taken: o Selection by the BOCC of a site in Bluewater RV Park for location of a wastewater treatment plant. o Approval to purchase lots 11 and 12 of Baypoint Subdivision o Held informal workshops with the Bay Point community in early December 2002 o Baypoint lots 11 and 12 purchased and in County ownership KEY WEST RESORT UTILITIES (STOCK ISLAND EXPANSION) 20 Issues Addressed/Addressed Taken: o Approval by the BOCC on July 31, 2002, of a contract to make available to Key West Resort Utility $4.6 million in Fund 304 Infrastructure money to expand its collection to the remaining portions of south Stock Island. o Acceptance of financial assistance program for economically disadvantaged households presented by staff. o Revision of financial assistance program to include mobile home park owners, allowing multiple payments over a three year period. o Approval of a Resolution for Key West Resort Utility move forward on upgrading its plant to AWT. o Approval of a contract for receipt of state monies to assist in construction on Stock Island. LOWER KEYS WASTEWATER (MM 7.0 TO MM 11.0) Issues Addressed/Addressed Taken: o Requested $2,000,000 from House Bill 851 funding program. o Approved sending out an RFQ for Engineering services to complete surveying, aerial photography, and engineering design work. EPA DECENTRALIZED WASTEWATER DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM Issues Addressed/Addressed Taken: o Approval of staff recommendations to move forward with the EPA decentralized grant program. OTHER ISSUES Issues Addressed/Addressed Taken: o Revision of ordinance to change Duck Key and Conch Key to "hotspots." Resolutions 39- 2002 and 40-2002. 21