Cape Coral council approves $29.9 million grant project; city to commit $5 million

The Cape Coral City Council on Feb. 18 approved Resolution 35-26 to accept a $29,900,000 grant for a proposed community recreation center and shelter, while city staff said the total project is estimated at $35 million and will require a $5 million local commitment.

Ryan Lynn, Emergency Management and Resilience Director, told the council that “the grant is for $29,900,000. The total project cost is $35,000,000 and so there was a $5,000,000 commitment from the city to complete this project.” Council Member Kaduk asked whether that city commitment would be funded by debt or cash; staff responded that “there hasn't been any approved debt. So at this point, it would be cash funded unless it's otherwise determined by council.”

Kaduk also asked whether the grant covers all work at Buffalo Park and what additional changes would be required to incorporate the shelter; the city manager and staff fielded the operational questions and clarified that detailed design, budgeting and any downstream impacts would be considered as the project moves forward. The council moved to approve the resolution; the roll call produced six ayes and one nay, and the motion carried.

Next steps include design, cost refinement and follow-up approvals: staff indicated future presentations will return to council with further financial details, procurement steps and project timelines. The council did not specify a funding source beyond the staff statement that the $5 million commitment is currently expected to be cash-funded.

The approval authorizes the city to proceed with the grant acceptance and preliminary project actions; staff will report additional details and any recommended financing options in future meetings.