City staff brief commission on EPA 319(h) septic‑to‑sewer grant; commissioners direct staff to pursue application

City staff presented an EPA 319(h) Nonpoint Source grant opportunity at the April 21 commission meeting that, if awarded, could offset costs for private septic‑to‑sewer conversions for eligible homeowners. Erica Verde explained the grant is typically awarded to agencies to address nonpoint source pollution (including septic system leachate) and stressed that the program is one of the few non‑loan funding sources that can be applied to private property connections.

Using a hypothetical example, Verde said a $500,000 award divided among 50 ready homes would yield about $10,000 maximum assistance per home after administrative and contractor costs: “In the case of this example… the maximum assistance per home would be $10,000,” she said. Staff emphasized the city cannot apply for some county programs on behalf of homeowners; residents may need to apply directly to other assistance programs such as Miami‑Dade’s Septic to Sewer Financial Assistance Program or PACE loans, though Verde said she would research whether programs can be combined to bridge remaining costs.

Public Works and finance staff explained the city recently secured a 5‑year extension for abutting property owners to connect and that coordination with Miami‑Dade County traffic, permitting and the county EQCB (Environmental Quality Control Board) will be required for implementation. The tentative EPA application window was noted as July 2026, subject to federal schedule changes.

Commissioners supported pursuing the EPA grant and asked staff to return with an application plan, outreach strategy for affected homeowners, and details on how the city would administer a program if awarded. The commission also urged staff to explore combining county grant options and PACE financing to minimize out‑of‑pocket costs for low‑income and fixed‑income households.