Title
Authorization to Apply for a Department of Ecology Grant for Stormwater Retrofits on Harrison Avenue
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to authorize staff to submit a grant application to the Washington State Department of Ecology in an amount not to exceed $498,000.
Report
Issue:
Whether to authorize staff to submit a stormwater grant application to construct water quality treatment improvements on Harrison Avenue in West Olympia.
Staff Contact:
Eric Christensen, Public Works Water Resources, 360.570.3741
Andy Haub, Public Works Water Resources, 360.570.3795
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Item
Background and Analysis:
Applications for capital funding under Washington Department of Ecology's (WDOE) 2015 Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund and the Centennial Clean Water Program are due November 7, 2014.
City Storm and Surface Water Utility staff are prepared to submit an application which allows us to design and construct a water quality treatment system on Harrison Avenue to treat stormwater runoff from approximately Woodruff Park to the 4th Avenue roundabout. Currently, stormwater from this heavily-traveled road is not treated before it discharges directly to Budd Inlet. This project is also identified as a priority in the 2014-2019 Capital Facility Plan (CFP). If we receive the grant, construction could be expected to begin in 2016.
The proposed project is part of an overall strategy to upgrade or build stormwater treatment systems. The City has applied and received grant funding from this program for several projects including: Pacific Avenue, City Maintenance Center, State Avenue, 4th Avenue East, East Bay Drive and Frederick Street.
Staff estimates the Harrison Avenue project will cost approximately $498,000. The grant requires a 25 percent grant match ($124,500). The funds are available in the Storm and Surface Water Capital budget.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The water quality in the West Bay of Budd Inlet is a priority of the Squaxin Tribe and the Port of Olympia and is of interest to west side neighborhoods.
Options:
Option 1: Approve the grant submittal.
Implications: Allows the Storm and Surface Water Utility to benefit from State funding to achieve its priority to provide water quality treatment for stormwater runoff from the Harrison Avenue corridor.
Option 2: Deny the grant submittal
Implications: Would allow untreated stormwater runoff to continue to discharge to Budd Inlet until alternative funding sources are attained.
Financial Impact:
None at this time. Staff will return to City Council for acceptance of the grant agreement with WDOE.