Pasco County allocates $10M for future planning and housing assistance programs

Pasco County is set to embark on a transformative planning initiative following the Board of County Commissioners' recent meeting, where they allocated $10 million for a comprehensive planning program aimed at enhancing community preparedness and infrastructure. This funding will support various projects, including hazard plans, feasibility studies for stormwater management, and innovative housing delivery services.

The program is designed to build capacity for local nonprofits and explore new housing development strategies. Officials emphasized the importance of conducting thorough investigations to ensure that projects align with community needs before moving forward with funding. This proactive approach aims to mitigate risks and ensure effective use of resources.

In addition to the planning funds, the board approved $29 million for administrative costs associated with managing the program over the next six years. This allocation will cover salaries, consultant fees, and potential project failures, providing a financial cushion to avoid drawing from the county's general fund in case of unforeseen issues.

During the meeting, commissioners discussed the procurement process for selecting firms to assist with the program. While some members expressed a desire for more direct involvement in the selection, others advocated for trusting the established staff-led process, which has proven effective in the past. The board ultimately agreed that while staff would handle the selection, they would have the opportunity to review and discuss shortlisted candidates before final decisions are made.

Looking ahead, the county is currently in a public comment period for its draft action plan, which will remain open until June 12. The board plans to seek approval for the action plan at their next meeting on June 17, with a submission deadline to HUD by June 20. Following approval, the county anticipates rolling out its first program—individual housing assistance—within a year of recent storms, a timeline that officials believe will reflect positively on Pasco County's commitment to community recovery and resilience.