Oldsmar authorizes staff to submit FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant applications for three infrastructure projects

The Oldsmar City Council on July 15 authorized the city manager to sign and submit three Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMPG) applications to the Florida Division of Emergency Management and FEMA for storm‑resilience projects stemming from Hurricane Helene.

Staff described three separate applications: construction of a fourth filter bay at the wastewater treatment facility to increase treatment capacity and lessen the likelihood of untreated discharges during heavy rain; a cure‑in‑place lining project for gravity sewer clay pipe and manholes to reduce infiltration of stormwater and extend pipe life; and relocation of a sewer force main in the South Oldsmar area to move the pipe off an erosion‑vulnerable footbridge and reduce the risk of storm damage and environmental contamination.

The council first adopted a resolution delegating signature authority to the city manager so staff could complete and sign HMPG applications and related documents. The body then approved each project application request by motion; staff noted the applications are lengthy and require cross‑departmental work from engineering, finance and administration to meet FEMA deadlines.

City staff also said the projects came from the countywide Local Mitigation Strategy list and that Oldsmar staff have been active participants in county mitigation planning, which is a typical prerequisite for federal hazard‑mitigation funding. The council did not appropriate grant matches at the July 15 meeting; staff’s action authorizes submission only. Council members thanked staff for the extra work required to prepare voluminous grant documents on short timelines.