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City seeks FEMA BRIC funding for McGovern Park stormwater resilience project; 25% nonfederal match anticipated
Summary
The administration asked council to authorize applying for FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) funds to construct underground stormwater capture tanks at McGovern Park to reduce flooding. Staff said design funding was previously secured, the total original project estimate was about $5 million and the nonfederal match could be substantial; final budget and match details will be supplied before application submission.
Amanda Diamond, the city’s director of sustainability, presented a request to apply for and, if awarded, accept BRIC grant funds for the McGovern Park resilience project.
“This project would install stormwater capture tanks underground in the McGovern Park area, and provide a benefit to the community through reduced flooding in that area,” Diamond said, noting the application would focus on construction and permitting while prior funding covered design.
Diamond said the original, full project estimate including design was about $5,000,000 when first proposed in 2022 and that construction‑period costs have increased since then. She said the grant would likely require a nonfederal match (commonly 25 percent) and that staff are exploring combinations of open‑space funds, Green Acres funding and capital allocations to assemble the local match. One councilmember estimated the city's share could be between roughly $300,000 and $1,000,000 depending on award size; staff said a more precise figure would be available before the application is finalized next week and that any acceptance of funds would occur only after the council approved the terms.
Staff said the city plans to issue an RFP for design consultants and does not expect a final agreement with FEMA before late 2027 or 2028 if selected. Councilmembers expressed broad support while asking for further budget detail and timeline clarity.
