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Agenda 01/11/2011 Item #10D Agenda Item NO.1 OD January 11, 2011 Page 1 of 19 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Recommendation to review and approve the projects and policy priorities proposed for the Collier County Fiscal Year 2012 Federal Legislative Agenda which will be presented to the Congressional Delegation and advocated for federal funding consideration as well as pursued for eligible 2011 Grants and any applicable federal programs that become available OBJECTIVE: For the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) to review and approve the projects and policy priorities recommended by Collier County's federal lobbyist, The Ferguson Group, for the Collier County Fiscal Year 2012 Federal Legislative Agenda, which due to another earmark freeze in the House, will also be strongly advocated in the direction of 2011 Grants wherever eligibility criteria is met. Available funding opportunities at federal agencies will be ambitiously pursued. In the absence of earmarks, staff has been advised by Ferguson representatives that Collier County Delegation members can continue their support of local government projects and contribute to the community through outreach at the federal level. Congressional members who communicate their constituents' needs with telephone calls, letters, and emails to federal agencies and key federal officials requesting inclusion of specific projects into the Administration's budget indeed have an impact. The Collier County Congressional Delegation includes two new members who will join the 11ih Congress when it convenes and will have been sworn in on January 5, 2011: Senator Marco Rubio (R) and Congressman David Rivera (R), District 25. Current Delegation members are Senator Bill Nelson (D) and Congressman Connie Mack (R), District 14. CONSIDERATION: To develop the Collier County Fiscal Year 2012 Federal Legislative Agenda, the County Manager, Collier County staff and The Ferguson Group representatives reviewed the projects on the current Fiscal Year 2011 Agenda and evaluated if they will continue or drop off the list due to their individual funding fulfillments and future needs. For those priorities that are ongoing, multi-year projects, county staff and Ferguson Group representatives met with the respective Division Administrator, Department Director and project manager to review and update those project specifications and funding needs. The Federal Agenda to be considered today by the BCC is comprised of seven (7) continuing initiatives and two new projects. The proposed new projects replace three that were removed from the list because they have been adequately funded in part through this process (Emergency Services Center); will seek a more likely source of funding (Immokalee Airport); or were removed due to too many higher-priority projects competing for same dollars (stonnwater drainage pipes). Agenda Item NO.1 OD January 11, 2011 Page 2 of 19 Upon a thorough assessment of the funding potential of each project and assessment based on available accounts and appropriations, The Ferguson Group recommends that the following nine (9) projects in prioritized order comprise the Collier County Fiscal Year 2012 Federal Legislative Agenda. Collier County Fiscal Year 2012 Federal Le2islative A2enda 1. 1-75/ Everglades Boulevard Interchange - $4 million 2. I-75/Collier Boulevard/SR 84 (Davis Boulevard) - $4.5 million 3. Naples Bay Restoration - $450,000 4. Beach Renourishment - $300,000 5. Vanderbilt Lagoon - $250,000 6. Tri-County Water Interconnect - $5 million 7. Collier Health Services - $500,000 8. Ochopee EMS/Fire Station on 1-75 & Med Flight Aircraft - $9 million 9. Collier Area Transit - $6 million A detailed summmy of these projects is attached. Accompanying the projects this year, staff is also including a list of policy and administrative priorities for the BCC to consider identifying as important to monitor and advocate in the best interests of the citizens. Several of these carry unfunded mandates (1099 fonn in the health care legislation, 3% tax withholding requirements). Collier County 2011 Policy and Administrative Priorities (calendar year) 1. Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) Program 2. Stafford Act/Debris Removal 3. Transportation Donor State 4. 211 5. Local Parks and Recreation 6. Local Government Foreclosure Assistance 7. Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) 8. 1099 Repeal 9. Local Government 3% Contracting Tax Withholding Requirements 10. Online Travel and Tourism Taxation 11. Local Jobs for America Act 12. Infrastructure Loan Bank Proposal 13. Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG) Agenda Item NO.1 00 January 11, 2011 Page 3 of 19 More information about the 2011 Policy and Administrative Priorities is attached. Once approved by the BCC on January 11, 2011, the projects of the Collier County Fiscal Year 2012 Federal Legislative Agenda and 2011 Grants prospects will be presented to the Congressional Delegation and their legislative staff by mid-February in a series of meetings and/or communications. Upon review and detailed discussion of the specific projects with the federal elected officials and their legislative staff, the county's Federal Legislative Agenda will be pursued diligently and monitored continually throughout the federal legislative appropriations and grants processes by The Ferguson Group. Unfortunately, the third week of December 2010 county staff received word that the $1 million earmark in the FY 2011 Senate Transportation Bill for the Interstate- 75/Everglades Boulevard Interchange was in jeopardy as Congress failed to pass an Omnibus Appropriations bill. Rather, on December 21 Congress enacted a Continuing Resolution to fund federal government through March 4, 2011. In January, the new Congress is expected to strip all the earmarks out of the FY 2011 appropriations bills. There were 6,700 earmarks valued at $8.1 billion in the proposed $1.2 trillion Omnibus bill. The eannarks represented one half of one percent of the total omnibus package. Once final passage of the FY 2011 spending bills is determined, the county's lobbyist will have a better sense of fund allocations and potential distribution. All previously earmarked awards will be pushed through formula and competitive programs that are yet to be established through Congressional guidance. In addition to the FY 2012 Federal Legislative Agenda being approved today (Jan. 1 I, 2011), the BCC in April 2009 approved the following five road projects to be considered in the next major Transportation Reauthorization legislation: Transportation Reauthorization: · I-75/Collier Boulevard/SR 84 (Davis Boulevard) . SR 29 Bypass . SR 951 at U.S. 41 Intersection · 1-75/ Everglades Boulevard Interchange · Camp Keais Road The Fiscal Year 2012 Federal Legislative Agenda once detennined by Board action today (Jan. 11, 2011), will be turned over to The Ferguson Group which will complete the required Congressional questionnaires and documents for each project, as well as necessary correspondence from Collier County to Congress. In conclusion, the BCC is asked to review and approve in prioritized order the list of nine (9) projects, which will comprise the Collier County Fiscal Year 2012 Federal Legislative Agenda Item NO.1 00 January 11, 2011 Page 4 of 19 Agenda, and also endorse the policy priorities to be monitored and advocated on the county's behalf. FISCAL IMP ACT: There is no fiscal impact associated with this executive summary. GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMP ACT: There is no growth management impact associated with this executive summary. LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: There are no legal considerations associated with this executive summary. RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of County Commissioners reviews and approves the prioritized list of nine (9) projects proposed for the Collier County Fiscal Year 2012 Federal Legislative Agenda which will be presented to the Congressional Delegation for federal funding and advocacy consideration, and approves the accompanying policy and administrative priorities that will be monitored. Prepared by Debbie Wight, Legislative Affairs Coordinator Item Number: Item Summary: Meeting Date: Agenda Item No.1 OD January 11,2011 Page 5 of 19 COLLIER COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 100 Recommendation to review and approve the projects and policy priorities proposed for the Collier County Fiscal Year 2012 Federal Legislative Agenda which will be presented to the Congressional Delegation and advocated for federal funding consideration as well as pursued for eligible 2011 Grants and any applicable federal programs that become available. (Debbie Wight, Legislative Affairs Coordinator) 1/11/2011 9:00:00 AM Prepared By Deborah L. Wight Board of County Commissioners Assistant to the County Manager Date County Manager's Office 12/29/20103:06:57 PM Approved By Randy Greenwald Office of Management & Budget ManagemenUBudget Analyst Date Office of Management & Budget 12/29/20103:48 PM Approved By Leo E. Ochs, Jr. County Managers Office County Manager Date County Managers Office 1/5/2011 1 :04 PM Co~T County ~ Agenda Item No. 10D ry 11, 2011 age 6 of 19 Collier County DRAFT Federal legislative Agenda FY 2012 Appropriations 2011 Grants Funding Priorities Priority Targeted Potential Federal Resources 1-75/ Everglades Boulevard Interchange Federal Transportation Appropriations $4 million for design Transportation Reauthorization Bill FHWA Grant Opportunities 1-75/Collier Boulevard/SR 84 (Davis Boulevard) Federal Transportation Appropriations $4.5 million to update PD&E and begin design Transportation Reauthorization Bill FHWA Grant Opportunities Naples Bay Restoration Federal Energy and Water Appropriations (project authorized in 2007 Water Resources & Direct USACE Allocations Development Act) $450,000 for US Army Corps of Engineers study Beach Renourishment Federal Energy and Water Appropriations (project authorized in 2007 WRDA) Direct USACE Allocations $300,000 to fund engineering studies and permitting Vanderbilt Lagoon Federal Energy and Water Appropriations (project authorized in 2007 WRDA) Direct USACE Allocations $250,000 to study feasibility of environmental restoration Tri-County Water Interconnect Federal Energy and Water Appropriations (project authorized in 2007 WRDA) Direct USACE Allocations $5,000,000 for water interconnections with the cities EPA Grant Opportunities of Naples and Marco Island Collier Health Services Federal Health and Human Services Appropriations $500,000 for Maternity and Sight Impaired Health and Human Services Grant Opportunities Equipment and Services Ochopee EMS/Fire Station on 1-75 National Park Service Cooperative Agreement $3,000,000 for 3,000-square-foot facility with 2 bays DHS and DOJ Grant Opportunities $6,000,000 for Med Flight Aircraft DHS and DOJ Grant Opportunities Collier Area Transit Federal Transit Administration Grant Opportunities $6,000,000 for Depot and Government Center Transportation Reauthorization Bill Improvements As New Federal Funding Opportunities Arise During the Year, Additional Projects May be Identified Collier County 2011 Policy and Administrative PrioritieSAgenda Item NO.1 OD January 11, 2011 - - Topic Position rd~t:: I UI EMPG Program Support increase in funding for the Emergency Management Performance Grants Stafford Act/Debris Removal Ensure clarity regarding the eligibility for reimbursement of local government expenditures for removal of debris from private property, including roadways in private or gated communities. Transportation Donor State Florida currently ranks third worst in the US based upon the rate of return for federal highway funding, getting back only 92C on every dollar sent to Washington, DC. Historically, Florida cu rre ntly ranks second of those considered "historical donor states." Florida has "donated" $2,570,000,000 to improve roads in other states since 1956. The Transportation Reauthorization Bill in the coming year provides an opportunity to correct this historical inequity. 211 Support federal legislation that would provide local resources for the ongoing cost of $200,000 annually and initial startup cost of $100,000 for software. local Parks and Recreation Establish dedicated federal funding streams for local parks and recreation facilities through legislative authorization. Funds would support projects such as: Eagles Lakes Park in East Naples, which is in need of a community center, and Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park, which is awaiting additional funds to expedite design and construction. local Government Foreclosure Assistance Support additional funds to local government for programs such as the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, which provides funds to local governments to purchase and redevelop foreclosed and abandoned homes and residential properties. Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Support legislation that would require that federal regulators and mortgage lenders treat PACE assessments like others and underwrite mortgages with PACE assessments allow property owners to finance energy effiCiency and renewable energy projects for their homes and commercial buildings. 1099 Repeal Support repeal of health care overhaul legislation provision that would require you to complete and file I.R.S. Form 1099 for any vendor from which it purchased more than $600 of goods or services in a year. local Government 3% Contracting Tax Withholding Support repeal of measure that will require federal, state, and local Requirements governments to withhold 3 percent from all payments for goods and services, which would be a paperwork burden and likely increase the cost of such contracts. Online Travel and Tourism Taxation Prevent passage of legislation that would exempt online tourism bookers from paying appropriate sales taxes to state and local governments. local Jobs for America Act Support legislation to provide units of general local government with funding to save and create local jobs through the retention, restoration, or expansion of services needed by local communities Infrastructure loan Bank Proposal Support legislative initiatives that would increase local government access to government-backed low interest loans and private capital for priorities including transportation and water infrastructure. EECBG Build federal support for the u.s. Department of Energy's (DOE) Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG) and to secure an ongoing source of funding for the program. Agenda Item No. 10D January 11, 2011 Page 8 of 19 Collier County Fiscal Year 2012 Federal Le2islative A2enda 1. 1-75/ Everglades Boulevard Interchange - $4 million Much of Collier County's future growth is expected in an area known as Golden Gate Estates, one of the largest platted subdivisions of its kind in the world. This area is roughly the size of Washington, D.C. and is adjacent to the Big Cypress development which is anticipated to add another 23,000 dwelling units to the area. The only east-west routes between the eastern Estates and Naples area activity/employment centers are Golden Gate Boulevard and Immokalee Road and while the western portion of the Estates and Golden Gate City proper have access to interchanges at Immokalee Road, Pine Ridge Road, State Road 951 (Collier Boulevard) and Golden Gate Parkway, residents of the eastern portion of the Estates have no access to Interstate 75. The lack of access to the Estates also creates safety problems, particularly in the event that residents must be evacuated during hurricane or wildfire season. In this regard, the interchange is critically needed to provide access to a route for safe evacuations from storms and fires as significant growth continues in eastern Collier County. As Collier County's population expands from the nearly 330,000 residents today to a projected 1,066,000 at build-out, this situation will worsen. In accordance with the Collier County Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), Collier County is developing an IJR, primarily a traffic analysis impact justification document, to demonstrate the need for a new interchange at I-75 and Everglades Boulevard. FDOT presented its CEE study plans at a public kickoff meeting on September 16. The study will evaluate the reasonable foreseeable future changes in the project study area affecting eight protected species. Weare encouraging residents to provide comments to FDOT and attend upcoming public hearings on the matter and in order to ensure that there will be minimal to no environmental impacts associated with this project, particular attention will be paid to the need for wildlife crossings or other such mitigation measures. An interchange at Everglades Boulevard and I-75 is an identified need in the MPO's Cost Feasible and Needs Plan and is the highest priority with the residents of Golden Gate Estates. The project will provide better access for an area that covers more than 100 square miles while improving interchange operations at three existing overburdened interchanges. Additionally, Collier County would like to request interim access, given that ramps already exist, as studies progress to detennine implementation of the new interchange. Collier County requests $4,000,000 in federal funding for the design of a proposed interchange at or in the vicinity of Interstate 75 and Everglades Boulevard. The Collier County Board of County Commissioners recently funded a portion of the first step of developing an Interchange at this location with the programming of $750,000 for an IJR. The IJR and PD&E have been supported by federal, state and local funds. The design, right of way, mitigation and construction costs are estimated at $60,000,000. The Interchange is located in a tolled section of Alligator Alley, so 1 Agenda Item NO.1 OD January 11, 2011 Page 9 of 19 toll funding may be available to help pay for right of way and construction if approvals are achieved for the IJR and PD&E study. This project received $245,000 in federal funding in FY 2008 and a $1,000,000 award was pending in the FY 2011 Senate Appropriations Bill. 2. I-75/Collier Boulevard/SR 84 (Davis Boulevard) - $4.5 million The interchange at I-75/Collier Boulevard/SR 84 is currently experiencing a high level of congestion due to the convergence of Davis Boulevard and Collier Boulevard at I-75 and the future growth expected in the southern portion of the County. This current interchange serves the East Naples area, Golden Gate City proper and Marco Island, and is the closest interchange from the east to the City of Naples. The county and state are designing improvements to the adjacent roadways and offramps as part of a coordinated project and construction has commenced on those interim projects. Contemplated solutions include separating the Collier Boulevard traffic movements and the Davis Boulevard traffic movements entering and exiting I-75 and the addition of a northbound Collier Boulevard to westbound I-75 free flow loop. More specifically, drivers who desire to go from I-75 to CR 951 (Collier Boulevard) will use improved ramps at the existing CR 951 Interchange. Drivers who desire to go from I-75 to Davis Boulevard will use new ramps on and off the Interstate at the end of Beck Boulevard, just south of the existing CR 951 on and off ramps and drivers who desire to go from Collier Boulevard to I-75 would use the free flow loop. These improvements will resolve an ongoing congestion problem in this area and will benefit Marco Island, south and East Naples and Golden Gate City proper and Estates residents. The improvements will also resolve a long-term congestion problem on Davis Boulevard and SR 951. Though the ultimate design is not yet complete, the conceptual designs for this project have defined solutions for the congestion in this interchange that will meet the existing and future needs at this interchange and on these corridors. The county requests $4.5 million to update the PD&E and begin to design the first phase of improvements. The total cost for all phases of this project is estimated at $130 million. A PD&E Study was done as part of the Davis Boulevard Study and the state has committed $21.1 million in its strategic plan for 2013. This project received $490,000 in FY 2008 federal funding and $570,000 in FY 2009. The funds received have been used to support the study of the interim and ultimate interchange configuration as described above. This project received an additional $800,000 in FY 2010. 2 Agenda Item No. 10D January 11, 2011 Page10of19 3. Naples Bay Restoration - $450,000 Naples Bay has become polluted as a result of new development, population growth, and increased commercial and recreational uses. Naples Bay is a unique example of a pristine estuary undergoing ecologic degradation due to rapid urbanization in its primary watershed. The natural water inlets like the Gordon River, Rock Creek, Haldeman Creek, and sheetflows to the bay have been altered by road and urban development over the last 50 years. The construction of the Golden Gate Canal system has enlarged the size of the historic watershed from 10 square miles to 120 square miles. Inadequate timing and distribution of large volumes of freshwater discharges from the network of man-made canals and stormwater outlets causes fluctuations in the salinity levels and current flow patterns. The rapid decline in salinity to near freshwater levels has caused prolonged salinity stresses and eliminated or displaced a high proportion of the benthic, midwater and fish plankton communities in the Bay. Seagrass meadows are no longer prevalent in the Bay. Instead, bare sandy mud and algal areas predominate. The impacts on commercial and recreational fisheries, as well as on the overall eco-tourism of the region, have been significant. During the last three decades, the Big Cypress Basin, the City of Naples, Collier County and other organizations, have undertaken numerous efforts to reduce and control freshwater discharges from the Golden Gate Canal system. These governments have also initiated and completed numerous municipal stormwater control projects that prevented degradation and worked toward restoring the ecological health of Naples Bay. Collier County supports the City of Naples' request that a study be performed by the U.S. Anny Corps of Engineers (USACE) that would define and fund the next cycle of control projects to reduce and/or redirect freshwater and stormwater flows into the Gordon River estuary. This study would identify: system balancing, pump station needs, piping requirements, wet season storage, dry season drawdown, reuse capacity, distribution, and aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) usage. The project received the following authorization in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of2007: . COLLIER COlJNTY, FLORIDA - $5,000,000 for water infrastructure to Improve water quality in the vicinity of the Gordon River, Collier County, Florida. To fund the USACE study, $450,000 is needed in the USACE budget. 3 Agenda Item NO.1 OD January 11, 2011 Page 11 of 19 4. Beach Renourishment - $300,000 Collier County Beaches are designated as critically eroded by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Past renourishments have occurred within an 8- to 10-year cycle with the last renourishment occurring in 2005. A Reconnaissance Study is necessary for the USACE to determine a federal interest in the project. The purpose of the project is to renourish Collier County, Florida beaches to protect the upland structures, promote a healthy ecosystem and advance tourism within the county. Beaches that are in need of renourishment are Vanderbilt Beach, Park Shore Beach, Naples Beach and Marco Island Beach. The project received the following authorization in the 2007 WRDA: SEC. 4033. COLLIER COUNTY BEACHES, FLORIDA. The Secretary shall conduct a study to determine the feasibility of carrying out a project for hurricane and storm damage reduction and flood damage reduction in the vicinity of Vanderbilt, Park Shore, and Naples beaches, County, Florida. The County is seeking $300,000 in the USACE budget for the USACE to perform the Reconnaissance Study, generate a project management plan and a cost sharing agreement with the County. There is no history of federal funding for this project. 5. Vanderhilt Lagoon - $250,000 The Vanderbilt Lagoon suffers from poor water quality as a result of stonnwater runoff from the highly urbanized area surrounding it and lack of natural tidal flushing action. The lagoon discharges into Turkey Bay and Wiggins Pass, which are both estuaries designated as Outstanding Florida Waters. Pollution from the lagoon is deposited into these Outstanding Florida Waters as well as the Gulf of Mexico. A feasibility study is needed to detennine the viability of carrying out a project for environmental restoration. The purpose of the project is to improve the water quality at Vanderbilt Lagoon, which serves as one of the most urbanized coastal communities in the county. This lagoon serves an urban residential population as well as recreational boaters. A study is needed to identify pollution sources, investigate potential solutions, select and design appropriate remedies, The project received the following authorization in the 2007 WRDA: · Vanderbilt Beach Lagoon, Florida - The Secretary shall conduct a study to determine the feasibility of carrying out a project for environmental restoration, water supply, and improvement of water quality at Vanderbilt Beach Lagoon, Florida. 4 Agenda Item No. 10D January 11, 2011 Page 12 of 19 The cost of the feasibility study is $250,000. The total cost of the environmental restoration project will be known following completion of the study. 6. Tri-County Water Interconnect - $5 million Several cities in Collier County are in need of an emergency potable water source. The City of Naples owns and operates a water treatment facility that provides water service to approximately 64,000 customers within the city's water service area. Half of these customers are located within unincorporated Collier County. During hurricane events the city is vulnerable to power outages, damage to the water distribution system and flooding. Marco Island, a barrier island, has on- island water treatment facilities. During hurricane events, the island's residents are vulnerable to power outage and flooding. The county supports regional water interconnects between the county and its city neighbors. An emergency potable water source is needed to provide service reliability, public health and safety by interconnecting the City of Naples and the Collier County Water-Sewer District (CCWSD). And, an emergency potable water source is needed to provide service reliability, public health and safety to the City of Marco Island by connecting it to the CCWSD. From a service reliability, public health and safety perspective, it would be in the best interest of both communities to have an additional potable water source available to meet their needs during emergency periods. In the event of emergency or operational capacity needs, the existence of the proposed interconnects will provide the flexibility to service the city, the island and county residents, thus avoiding potential service interruptions and placing the communities at unnecessary risk. Both projects received the following authorization in the 2007 WRDA: . Charlotte, Lee, and Collier Counties, Florida. - $20,000,000 for water supply interconnectivity infrastructure, Charlotte, Lee, and Collier Counties, Florida. Naples Interconnects $1,000,000 The City of Naples has identified two locations where the city and county water distribution systems are in close proximity. The county and city would like to move forward with final design and construction of two potable water emergency interconnects. Marco Island Interconnect $3,750,000 The project is currently in the conceptual design phase and requested funds will allow the project to move forward with final design and construction. 5 Agenda Item NO.1 OD January 11, 2011 Page 13 of 19 7. Collier Health Services - $500,000 Collier County has identified more than 35,000 residents who lack quality health care. The numbers of uninsured/underinsured will continue to grow as job growth in the area has been strongest among low-paying jobs, which typically do not offer health insurance. This project seeks to expand health care access for the county's rural areas as well as visually impaired senior citizens through the purchase of needed equipment. Collier Health Services, Inc., with locations in Immokalee, is also a federally qualified health clinic and serves the county's rural population. Having already implemented an electronic health record system, the enhancement of optical card readers will assist in completing patient history, with PHQ-9 on bubble scan cards to serve more people more efficiently. Equipment purchases will upgrade their technology and kiosks are requested to implement a HRSA-required quality improvement initiative. This request includes their family, pediatrics and dental centers. The Brookdale Center, a new Senior Resource Center, will provide a variety of services for seniors in Collier County. Equipment needed includes a variety of electronic and manual devices needed by seniors who are blind or physically handicapped and require assistive devices to more fully function in society. The Collier County Public Library intends to establish an "equipment library for the blind and physically handicapped" in The Brookdale Center. Equipment will be used to help residents learn to use the variety of assistive devices. Cost for this equipment-related health eare access project totals approximately $500,000. Matching private funds include $100,000 from the Collier County Community Foundation for strategic planning, $25,000 from the Agua Fund for a needs assessment study, and $25,000 from the Wasmer Schroeder Foundation for 211 planning. Matching local funds include land donated by the Board of County Commissioners valued at $160,000, county staff time and contributions to the planning process. County health care access initiatives received federal funding three years consecutively, including $323,911 in FY 2008, $141,570 in FY 2009, and $600,000 in FY 2010. 8. Ochopee EMS/Fire Station on 1-75 & Med Flight Aircraft - $9 million The Ochopee Fire Control District, a dependent district of Collier County, covers about 1,100 square miles, including I-75 from three miles west of SR 29 to the Broward County line. There is within this area a 78-mile stretch of I-75 where the Ochopee Fire Control District responds to frequent emergencies and serious mishaps often resulting in fatalities. They do so from a station some 30 miles away, leaving only 50 percent coverage of their home community. In the event of a major vehicular accident on I-75, also known as Alligator Alley, the response time is often a matter of life and death. Wildfires, smoke, weather-induced fog and other visibility impacts can also result in unexpected traffic slowdowns and congestion. Such unanticipated circumstances 6 Agenda Item No. 100 January 11, 2011 Page 14 of 19 make the job that much more difficult and complicate rescues and extrications for emergency and law enforcement personnel when they arrive on scene to help the injured. In 2009 Ochopee responded to 281 calls on the Alley, which represents 44 percent of their total load volume last year. And since January of this year, they have answered more than 160 emergencies on I-75. The lack of a dedicated EMS and fire station poses a critical public safety need on this popular route between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. The project envisions a 3,000-square- foot facility with tWo bays to allow for acceptable response times for vehicle accidents, brush fires, medical calls, auto fires, and hazardous materials incidents. The county seeks to secure $3,000,000 in federal funding for a dedicated EMS and fire station on this busy stretch of I-75. Alternatively, the county seeks to form a partnership with an appropriate federal agency to establish a co-located federal and county facility on this route. There is no history of federal funding for this project. As part of Collier County's critical public safety improvement and enhancement initiative, presently the community is served by an Emergency Medical Services-equipped EC135Tl helicopter, known as Med Flight, which is approaching 12 years of age. All helicopters require repetitive preventative maintenance inspections, some requiring the aircraft to be out of service for a few hours with others requiring several weeks to complete. During these out-of-service times, the citizens and visitors of Collier County have limited helicopter service provided by Lee County EMS in an agreement. The response times during a time of need can be quite significant, especially to the more remote areas within Coiiier County, one of the largest counties east of the Mississippi River. In addition, as the aircraft continues to age, legacy parts become more difficult to acquire in a timely manner, thereby increasing our out-of-service periods while parts are in transit. Due to the current market trend (down turned economy) buying new helicopters has become extremely favorable. However, as the market continues to improve the window of opportunity for favorable terms for buying will begin to close. At present, in informal talks with aircraft manufacturers, Collier County could buy a new EMS helicopter with greater capabilities than our current helicopter (increased safety features such as autopilot) with no down payment; deferred first payment by up to 12 months; early payoff options without penalties (after three years); and tax exempt options for county governments flying EMS. The cost to purchase a new EC135T2+ helicopter manufactured by American Eurocopter is $5.5 million, fully equipped with medical interior, radios, etc. This cost represents 2010 pricing with a delivery in 2011. A letter of intent to purchase or lease must be forthcoming prior to March 1, 2011 in order to lock-in the 2010 pricing. The county request for $6,000,000 for the aircraft takes into consideration the March 2011 deadline for 2010 pricing. 7 Agenda Item No. 10D January 11, 2011 Page 15 of 19 9. Collier Area Transit - $6 million Today the Collier Area Transit (CAT) system consists of nine fixed routes with operating hours from 4:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. seven days a week excluding holidays. Sixteen buses are operated during peak hours. CAT provides more than 1 million unlinked passenger trips on its fixed route each year. These strong ridership numbers have resulted in the need for a secondary transfer center to be located at 8300 Radio Road. On March 23, 2010, Collier County was granted a conditional use which allowed CAT to utilize the site as a secondary transfer center. The proposed project will include the addition of a permanent transfer station and construction of improvements to enhance existing operations, safety, and security. In addition, the requested funding will be utilized to upgrade the facility to current ADA standards and to address environmental concerns. The facility currently houses the transit administration offices and maintenance area. As of January 2,2011, the facility will also be serving as a secondary transfer center. When Collier County purchased the property in 2005, it was used as a car dealership. The county has made some improvements to the property to convert it to a transit site, based on the limited funding available at the time. Funding of $6,000,000 is needed to redevelop the site to a permanent secondary transfer center (including necessary security upgrades) and to allow for more efficient transit operations. In addition, the funding is necessary to upgrade the building up to ADA standards. The county purchased the site in 2005 at a cost of $7,700,000, with initial renovations completed at a cost of $1,640,000. The total cost of this redevelopment, including local funds already expended for acquisition and initial renovation, is expected to be $18,000,000. The county cUlTently has $2,235,754 of FTA funding allocated to the site. This funding comes from prior year 5307 and 5309 funding. 8 ~THE ... FEf<C;US()N I GROUPIj( Agenda Item NO.1 OD January 11, 2011 Page 16 of 19 MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: DATE: RE: Debbie Wight, Collier County Amanda Wood, The Ferguson Group December 14, 2010 Additional Background on Proposed County Federal Policy Priorities Following is additional background on each of the policy priorities we have identified through the development of your proposed federal agenda. EMPG Program Position: Support increase in funding for the Emergency Management Performance Grants Background: This program provides funding for state and local jurisdictions to engage in comprehensive national and regional planning processes that seek to enhance emergency management and catastrophic capabilities through strengthened national and regional relationships and the allocation of resources toward all-hazards planning, including maintaining current hazard mitigation plans. Florida is traditionally a major beneficiary of these funds. Stafford Act/Debris Removal Position: Ensure clarity regarding the eligibility for reimbursement of local government expenditures for removal of debris from private property, including roadways in private or gated communities. Background: Generally, debris removal from private property following a disaster is the responsibility of the property owner. However, large-scale disasters may deposit enormous quantities of debris on private property over a large area resulting in widespread immediate threats to the public at large. In these cases, the state or local government may need to enter private property to remove debris to: eliminate immediate threats to life, public health, and safety; eliminate immediate threats of significant damage to improved property; or ensure economic recovery of the affected community to the benefit of the community at large. We seek to clarify the regulations and ensure reimbursement to local governments. Transportation Donor State Position: Support efforts in the upcoming highway bill reauthorization to increase Florida's share of federal highway spending. Background: Florida currently rates poorly in the U.S. based upon the rate of return for federal highway funding, getting back only 92C on every dollar sent to Washington, D.C. and currently ranks second of those considered "historical donor states." Florida has "donated" $2,570,000,000 to improve roads in other states since 1956. For every percent increase in Florida's rate of return, the next 6-year highway bill would provide an additional $199,439,450 to improve Florida's roads, bridges and highway safety. 211 Position: Support federal legislation that would provide resources to Collier County for the ongoing cost of $200,000 annually and initial startup cost of $100,000 for software. Background: Legislation is expected to be re-introduced in the next Congress that would authorize $150 million in federal funding for 2-1-1 and support its nationwide adoption. 2-1-1, an easy-to-remember telephone . . .. . . Agenda Item No..1 00 number connecting people with Important community services and volunteer opportunities, ISJlafflMrjff€f~'Q~ 1 answer to help people navigate the complex and ever-growing maze of human service agencies an8~gr1clms19 Where 2-1-1 is operational, people can cut through red tape to gain access to a full range of community resources. By making these services easier to access, 2-1-1 encourages prevention and fosters self-sufficiency and civic engagement. Local Parks and Recreation Position: Establish dedicated federal funding streams for local parks and recreation facilities through legislative authorization. Background: Legislation is expected to be re-introduced by Rep. Albio Sires in the next Congress (The Urban Revitalization and Livable Communities Act) that would provide federal assistance grants to rehabilitate and develop urban parks and community recreational infrastructure, and for the continued investment in programs that address such national issues as juvenile delinquency and issues affecting at-risk youth. Such funds could support projects such as Eagles Lakes Park in East Naples, which is in need of a community center, and Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park, which is awaiting additional funds to expedite design and construction. Local Government Foreclosure Assistance Position: Support additional funds to local government for programs such as the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, which provides funds to local governments to purchase and redevelop foreclosed and abandoned homes and residential properties. Background: Collier County has received funding in past rounds of this program. NSP funds may be used for activities which include, but are not limited to: · Establish financing mechanisms for purchase and redevelopment of foreclosed homes and residential properties; · Purchase and rehabilitate homes and residential properties abandoned or foreclosed; · Establish land banks for foreclosed homes; · Demolish blighted structures; · Redevelop demolished or vacant properties. Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Position: Support legislation that would require that federal regulators and mortgage lenders treat PACE assessments like others and underwrite mortgages with PACE assessments allow property owners to finance energy efficiency and renewable energy projects for their homes and commercial buildings. Background: Through PACE financing, interested property owners opt-in to receive financing for improvements that is repaid through an assessment on their property taxes for up to 20 years. PACE financing spreads the cost of energy improvements such as weather sealing, insulation, energy efficient boilers and cooling systems, new windows, and solar installations over the expected life of the measures and allows for the repayment obligation to transfer automatically to the next property owner if the property is sold. 1099 Repeal Position: Support repeal of health care overhaul legislation provISion that would require the County to complete and file I.R.S. Form 1099 for any vendor from which it purchased more than $600 of goods or services in a year. Background: Beginning for payments made in 2012, all businesses, governments and charities will have to Agenda Item No. 100 January 11, 2011 issue annual Form 1099s to all companies they buy goods and services from, if they pay those v~s1thofEl9 than $600 in a year. These forms must also be sent to the Internal Revenue Service. Currently, only payments made to unincorporated sole-proprietor businesses must be reported on 1099s and to the IRS, so this provision would make for a costly new reporting mandate for local governments and small businesses. local Government 3% Contracting Tax Withholding Requirements Position: Support repeal of measure that will require federal, state, and local governments to withhold 3 percent from all payments for goods and services. Background: This requirement would be a paperwork burden for the County and likely increase the cost of contracts. The effective date of this new withholding requirement was initially set for January 1,2011 by Section 511 of the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act (P.L. 109-222) that was signed on May 17, 2006. It was delayed one year to January 1, 2012 by the Stimulus bill, but full repeal is necessary Online Travel and Tourism Taxation Position: Prevent passage of legislation that would exempt online tourism bookers from paying appropriate sales taxes to state and local governments. Background: Currently, online travel companies such as Travelocity and Expedia pay state and local occupancy taxes on guestrooms based on the wholesale rate they pay for the room, not on the retail rate the guest pays for the room. Because hotels pay these same taxes based on the higher retail rate the guest pays, state and local municipalities collect less tax on a room booked through an OTC than they collect on a room booked through a hotel directly. local Jobs for America Act Position: Support legislation, expected to be reintroduced in the next Congress, to provide units of general local government with funding to save and create local jobs through the retention, restoration, or expansion of services needed by local communities Background: Support will be targeted directly to states and municipalities with the greatest number of people out of work to restore important local services. By supporting the services local communities deem most necessary, the bill will help local governments avoid having to choose between eliminating services and raising taxes. Specifically, the Local Jobs for America Act invests $75 billion over two years to local communities to hire vital staff. Infrastructure loan Bank Proposal Position: Support legislative initiatives that would increase local government access to government-backed low interest loans and private capital for priorities including transportation and water infrastructure. Background: President Obama has proposed the creation of an "infrastructure bank," which would be run by the government but would pool tax dollars with private investment. This may be considered in the context of the upcoming transportation reauthorization bill. EECBG Position: Build federal support for the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG) and to secure an ongoing source of funding for the program. Agenda Item No. 10D January 11, 2011 Page 19 of 19 Background: EECBH funds, which Collier County has received by formula allocation, are is intended to assist U.S. cities, counties, states, territories, and Indian tribes to develop, promote, implement, and manage energy efficiency and conservation projects and programs designed to reduce fossil fuel emissions; reduce the total energy use of the eligible entities; and improve energy efficiency in the transportation, building, and other appropriate sectors.