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Town posts vulnerability story map and can apply for DEP adaptation-planning funds; assessment flags roads and stormwater as high priorities
Summary
Consultants presented a completed vulnerability assessment and interactive story map; it identified 137 critical assets (28% high risk) and the commission was advised to apply for DEP adaptation-planning funds (grant window June 1–Sept 1). Staff will consider moving to an adaptation plan that could unlock implementation grants.
The town commission heard the final vulnerability assessment and an interactive story map prepared under a state grant and submitted to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Consultant Jennifer Bastiga of Cummins Sediburg walked commissioners through findings and recommended next steps to seek adaptation-planning funds.
The assessment evaluated 137 critical assets and assigned risk scores: 28% of town-owned assets rated high risk, 47% medium and 22% low. The analysis considered multiple sea-level and storm scenarios and prioritized assets by importance, vulnerability and potential consequences.
"You have completed your first step," Jennifer Bastiga said. "Phase 2 would be the adaptation plan: using the risk scores to prioritize projects, then developing short-, medium- and long-term actions and seeking implementation funding." (Jennifer Bastiga)
Consultants and staff identified low-lying roads and stormwater infrastructure as top priorities for near-term attention because they affect evacuation routes and everyday access. Commissioners asked staff to pursue the localized FDOT/MPO parcel-based population projection data as part of the comprehensive-plan work and to consider the assessment's findings when setting infrastructure priorities.
DEP adaptation-planning grants open June 1 and close Sept. 1; municipalities that complete a vulnerability assessment typically rank well for planning funds. If awarded adaptation-planning funds, the town would develop prioritized strategies (protection, accommodation, avoidance, retreat) and then compete for implementation grants to carry out capital projects.
Ending: Staff indicated it will bring a recommendation in June to hire a consultant (under existing contract) to prepare an adaptation plan and to pursue DEP funding in the current grant window.
