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Emergency management: FEMA reviews, boat ramp engineering and Louder Street culvert remain active priorities
Summary
County emergency management staff reported ongoing FEMA reviews that require additional documentation, said a boat ramp relocation needs an engineer27s signed report, and described Louder Street as a bridge-culvert project that may need FDOT funding.
Mister Schmitz, representing county emergency management, updated commissioners on ongoing federal project reviews, floodplain and mitigation work and several FEMA-funded projects.
Schmitz said FEMA has requested an additional engineer's report with a signature to show that moving the Saint Marys boat ramp 150 feet would reduce future storm damage; staff and FDEM (Florida Division of Emergency Management) have been trading documentation with FEMA and reported delays caused by missing federal personnel on recent FEMA conference calls.
He listed project status: a completed cover project (~$27,599) is largely through environmental review; the Schulz Park competitive solicitation had an RFP discrepancy between the county's professionals and counsel and may be reissued; and several projects are near obligation but need final steps. Schmitz said FDEM has been assisting Baker County by engaging with FEMA on the county's behalf.
On a separate local project, Schmitz and commissioners discussed a problematic structure on Louder Street. Schmitz said the county submitted the 406 mitigation plan and expects near-obligation from FEMA, but that federal funding would only cover a portion (roughly 10%) of total costs and additional funding will be required. He noted the structure involved is considered a bridge culvert (not a simple box culvert), which could change funding eligibility and point the county toward FDOT bridge funding and the upcoming FDOT work program hearings.
Schmitz also said county staff and University of South Florida representatives are working with FEMA on NFIP/CRS (National Flood Insurance Program/Community Rating System) matters; he requested three internship positions to help code enforcement, NFIP work and plan administration, and said he has engaged the North Florida Regional Planning Council and the state Department of Commerce to seek funding for those positions.
Commissioners and staff discussed prioritizing the Louder Street project because it is a major arterial and may require county funding in addition to federal and state sources.
Schmitz said staff will return with further updates; no final federal determinations were announced at the meeting.
