Largo joins Tampa Bay Estuary Program to gain voting seat and leverage grant funding

The Largo City Commission voted 7-0 on Dec. 2 to authorize a joinder agreement making the city a funding partner in the Tampa Bay Estuary Program (TBEP), providing Largo a voting seat on the program's management and policy boards.

Sheridan Gement, the city's sustainability and resilience administrator, said formal membership would allow Largo to influence TBEP's annual work plan, funding priorities and restoration projects. Gement noted recent collaboration that has helped direct approximately $455,000 in federal infrastructure investment and job-plan funding to Largo wastewater upgrades.

Ed Sherwood, TBEP's executive director, told the commission TBEP leverages federal appropriations and local dues to multiply funds for regional restoration and water-quality projects; he said member jurisdictions typically receive substantial return on investment and cited the City of Clearwater as receiving about $281 in project funding for every $1 contributed. The current TBEP funding-membership estimate for Largo was presented as $16,000'$18,200 per year beginning in fiscal year 2027. Sherwood said TBEP covers local shortfalls with in-kind projects rather than assessing additional charges to participating governments.

Commissioners asked about the composition of TBEP and Largo's place among members; Sherwood said TBEP has nine main funding members and several non-funding partners and that, if approved, Largo would be the tenth funding member. The commission approved the joinder 7-0.

Action: Authorization to enter the TBEP joinder agreement; vote 7-0.