Hardee County EDA accepts Bowling Green update and directs city to seek reallocation of $1 million for water system work

The Hardee County Economic Development Authority on Feb. 11 unanimously accepted an update from Bowling Green on the Highway 17 extension and agreed to allow the city to pursue reallocating roughly $1 million in previously awarded EDA funds toward a new drinking-water improvement project.

Pamela Durance, representing the City of Bowling Green, told the board that after reviewing costs the Highway 17 extension lacked about $2.5 million to complete. The city proposes shifting available EDA funds to match a State Revolving Fund drinking-water project that is already in the planning phase. Engineer Roger Hallman joined Durance to describe the state's funding structure and said the city aims to use EDA dollars as matching funds for planning and design phases.

The board’s action followed an extended discussion about the EDA’s grant rules and precedent. County staff and legal counsel advised that the board could make an exception to its usual grant cycle and allow Bowling Green to return the prior award, then submit a new application for consideration. County Manager and the clerk explained the practical steps: Bowling Green would formally terminate the existing grant agreement with the clerk, freeing the previously earmarked dollars, and then file a new application with scope and deliverables for the board’s review.

Several commissioners urged caution about waiving the usual competitive application cycle. Commissioner Miller and others noted the diminished purchasing power of funds that sit unused and expressed a preference for a clear schedule and accountable scope before reassigning money. Commissioner Wells and Commissioner Flores supported allowing Bowling Green to reapply promptly, citing the city’s current planning work and the potential to leverage state loan/grant funding.

After the debate, Commissioner Flores moved and Commissioner Wells seconded a motion to accept the Bowling Green update as presented. The motion passed unanimously. The board did not immediately reauthorize any funds; instead, it directed the clerk and Bowling Green to proceed with terminating the existing agreement and asked the city to return next month with a completed application and detailed scope and funding plan for the board’s consideration.

Board members and staff said the next steps will include a formal termination of the current grant by the clerk’s office, a budget adjustment to reflect released funds, and submission of Bowling Green’s new application in time for the board to review at a subsequent meeting. No new award or transfer of money was made at the Feb. 11 meeting.

The board set a procedural path: Bowling Green must present a full application with scope, estimated cash flows and deliverables; the EDA would then consider any exception to the normal cycle or act within the next regular grant cycle depending on timing and detail provided by the city.