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City pursues park and coastal-repair grants; staff says funding request moved to FEMA
Summary
Staff told the Public Works Committee the city advanced an RCO park grant request to the second round and is reapplying for construction funding for a vertical evacuation tower; staff also reported congressional district spending for remnant jetty repairs has been transferred to FEMA, with a funding figure stated at the meeting and a decision expected in two to three months.
City staff told the Public Works Committee on June 22 that several grant efforts are moving forward, including a state Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) application for park improvements and an effort to secure construction funding for a long-discussed vertical evacuation tower. Staff also said congressional district funds intended for remnant jetty repairs have been routed through FEMA for further handling.
Why it matters: Park improvements and coastal-repair work could affect public safety, shoreline access and marina navigation. The RCO grant would fund North Bay Park upgrades; the congressional/FEMA item could fund larger erosion and jetty repairs if federal support is confirmed.
RCO park grant Staff said the city presented a first-round RCO application asking for $256,000 with a $64,000 city match for North Bay Park. The proposed scope includes new playground equipment, a volleyball court, two ADA parking spaces, ADA-compliant paths to amenities, benches and bleachers, and a second dog station. Staff said the city was invited to a second-round PowerPoint presentation.
Vertical evacuation tower Staff updated the committee on efforts to fund a vertical evacuation structure that has been under discussion since about 2018–2019; earlier federal funding streams were cut and the city is reapplying for the construction phase of the project.
Congressional district funding and FEMA pass-through Staff said funding pursued through Rep. Emily Randall’s office for remnant jetty repairs — and potentially dredging at the marina to address a growing dam/spit breach — has been transferred to FEMA’s Washington emergency management division for processing. At the meeting staff cited a funding figure of $1,140,000,000 as the amount referenced; staff said the city expects to hear a decision within two to three months and that an action is due by the end of July. The figure was reported by staff during the meeting and will be confirmed by staff before publication.
Next steps Staff will continue grant coordination and expects a funding decision on the FEMA-transferred request within two to three months; the committee was reminded of the council meeting schedule and upcoming procurement deadlines related to other public-works items.
Ending: Staff said they will report back as grant statuses change and as procurement items reach bid or award stages.
