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Agenda 06/10/2014 Item #16F1 6/10/2014 16.F.1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Recommendation to approve the Collier County 2014 Federal Legislative Agenda. 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 (TFG), for the Collier County 2014 Federal Legislative Agenda (attached). Once approved by BCC, the Federal Agenda will be presented to the Collier County Congressional Delegation, including Senators Marco Rubio and Bill Nelson, and Congressman Mario Diaz- Balart,District 25. The District 19 seat is presently vacant. CONSIDERATION: Collier County legislative staff and representatives from TFG met with Commissioners to discuss their specific project needs. Upon TFG's review and research of Commissioners' issues of interest,the proposed Collier County 2014 Federal Legislative Agenda was developed. Staff and TFG also communicated with county staff and updated continuing initiatives. Once adopted, identified projects and grant opportunities will be presented to the Congressional Delegation in Washington, D.C. in a series of meetings coordinated by TFG on the BCC's behalf. Regular status reports will be provided. TFG will continue to closely monitor the federal •-• legislative appropriations and grants processes, and strongly advocate for actions that will advance the BCC's adopted Federal Agenda. County legislative staff will continue to coordinate frequently with TFG and provides progress reports to other county staff; the County Manager's Office and BCC office. FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact associated with this executive summary. GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: There is no growth management impact associated with this executive summary. LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: There are no legal considerations associated with this executive summary. This item requires majority support for approval. RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of County Commissioners reviews and approves the Collier County 2014 Federal Legislative Agenda. Prepared by Debbie Wight, Legislative Affairs Coordinator Packet Page-1882- 6/10/2014 16.F.1. COLLIER COUNTY Board of County Commissioners Item Number: 16.16.F.16.F.1. Item Summary: Recommendation to approve the Collier County 2014 Federal Legislative Agenda. Meeting Date: 6/10/2014 Prepared By Name: CurranJanet Title: Supervisor-Operations, Communication&Customer Relations 5/21/2014 9:51:29 AM Submitted by Title: Legislative Affairs Coordinator, Name: WightDebbie 5/21/2014 9:51:30 AM Approved By Name: SheffieldMichael Title:Manager-Communications &Cust. Relations, Date: 6/3/2014 10:28:57 AM Name: WightDebbie Title:Legislative Affairs Coordinator, Date:6/3/2014 1:27:53 PM Name: OchsLeo Title: County Manager, County Managers Office Date: 6/3/2014 1:43:43 PM Packet Page-1883- 6/10/2014 16.F.1 . Collier County, Florida 2014 Federal Agenda DRAFT 1 Packet Page-1884- 6/10/2014 16.F.1. I. Economic Development Economic Accelerator— Support Collier County working with community partners to develop two distinctive business accelerators targeted at entrepreneurs looking to expand their high growth companies through new markets, new joint venture partners, new investment resources and synergies with related businesses. One accelerator will be located in the western area of the county (Naples) and focused on becoming one of 13 certified soft-landing accelerators in the U.S.for companies in the smart health, information technology and knowledge-based industries.The second accelerator will be located in the eastern area of the county (Immokalee) and focused on culinary innovation and emerging food technologies within the agribusiness sector. These accelerators will attract and nurture entrepreneurs— both international and domestic—who want to build their own businesses locally. The accelerators will provide an array of business start-up, soft-landing, economic gardening (grow from within) and mentoring services. The. Economic Incubator initiative is dedicated to supporting the development and recruitment of innovation companies within Collier County and the Southwest Florida region, as well as from other states and outside the United States. Collier County is poised to receive $2.5 million in state-funded support that will be equally matched by public and private local contributions over a three-year period so that these leveraged funds can be used to hire staff, lease built- out space, and purchase needed shared office and lab equipment. The Soft-Landing Accelerator/Incubator is programmed for two locations in Collier County: a. A Naples based center home to 30 office suites, community workspaces, and global conferencing equipment in approximately 4,000 square feet. b. An agribusiness focused culinary food accelerator located in Immokalee equipped with commercial kitchen equipment, cold food storage, and loading docks, meeting all FDA and state applicable requirements in approximately 5,000 square feet. Initially,the incubator will be housed in presently available commercial space within the county. As operations become established and partnerships with local business organizations, regional, and statewide universities and research organizations mature, opportunities for federal assistance in funding permanent real estate solutions are anticipated in the initiative's mid-range business plan. State-of-the-Art Soccer Facility The county will work with the Southwest Florida Soccer Foundation to develop a state-of-the-art soccer facility to promote healthy living, sports excellence and economic development. The facility is envisioned as a sports-driven public-private economic development partnership that will include outdoor fields, as well as indoor and outdoor stadiums. Citrus Greening Support funding to combat citrus greening. The U.S. Department of Agriculture will spend $1.5 million this year on efforts to control the bacteria that causes citrus greening in Florida, California and Texas. In December, USDA announced the creation of an emergency response framework which gathers various groups, agencies and experts to coordinate and focus federal research on fighting citrus greening. Congress has appropriated $125 million for citrus greening research efforts. Potential Grant Opportunities Include: US Economic Development Administration (EDA), HHS Community Economic Development Program, U.S.Soccer federation and other federal programs and private foundations 2 Packet Page-1885- 6/10/2014 16.F.1. II. Shore Protection,Water Infrastructure, Public Works Beach Renourishment Support passage of a new Water Resources Reform & Development Act (WRRDA) provision that enables a local government to fund and conduct a congressionally authorized Corps of Engineers study themselves if they wish to expedite the study process. Passage of this new provision would enable the county to move forward with a study of the Vanderbilt Lagoon as well. The county is seeking to have the Corps of Engineers find a federal interest in the county's shore protection project. Army Corps of Engineers Contracts for Inlet Management and Beach Renourishment Collier County would like to have the chance to piggyback on Corps of Engineers contracts for inlet management and beach renourishment in other counties/cities. Mobilization of heavy equipment is a major project expense and coordinating with neighboring counties or cities would be much more cost effective and efficient. RESTORE ACT By investing fines owed by BP and the other parties responsible for the Gulf oil spill into the Gulf region, the RESTORE Act will provide significant resources to Collier County. The county is developing processes and strategies to ensure the ability to effectively draw down and maximize these funds. EPA Stormwater Regulations Oppose federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed stormwater regulation. The EPA is planning to regulate all stormwater management systems at great costs to local governments. EPA Waters of the U.S.Proposed Rule Monitor EPA's recently issued proposed rule defining the scope of waters protected under the Clean Water Act (CWA). At issue is the extent of EPA's authority to regulate U.S.waters. Naples Bay Restoration As the county's thriving community grows, more and more pressure is placed on the fragile ecosystem that makes Collier County such a desirable place to live and visit. As such, the county is committed to continuing its stewardship of a healthy ecosystem within a growing, urban environment. Numeric Nutrient Criteria Continue to monitor the EPA and encourage support for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's (FDEP's) approach and proposed criteria related to the Numeric Nutrient Criteria Rule. Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Funding can be sought from the Army Corps of Engineers based on the authorization secured in the 2007 WRDA: $20,000,000 for diverse water supply planning and execution, including investment in enhancements and universal/flexible treatment plant bridge to gap projects to all Collier County Water-Sewer District(CCWSD)water plants and water reclamation plants and where feasible, wastewater and water interconnectivity infrastructure, including Lee County, Bonita Springs Utilities, and Collier County, Florida, along with enhanced wastewater and water interconnects with Marco Island to Naples Utilities. An interconnect with Lee County remains, for which technical assistance of Corps funding may be available. Funding for an alternative biosolids regional facility also is prudent and will benefit the region and the environment. 3 Packet Page-1886- 6/10/2014 16.F.1. Orangetree Service Expansion '' Per agreement, the Collier County Public Utilities Division has announced its Board-approved plan to integrate the Orangetree Utility into the CCWSD as early as possible,and is currently going through a negotiation/litigation process. Immokalee Stormwater Project The Immokalee stormwater master plan is completed and construction of the first phase was completed by the Immokalee Community Redevelopment Agency(CRA) in December 2012.Two additional projects within the overarching "plan" have been designed by the CRA with funding already secured for both of these projects, with construction planned for this year (2014). Planning grants are currently being sought to get the remaining projects shovel ready and constructed. Potential Grant Opportunities: U.S.Army Corps of Engineers, USDA Water and Wastewater Disposal Loans and Grants, EPA/Florida DEP 319(h) Program, EPA Innovative Water Infrastructure Financing Program (WIFIA) Ill. Transportation Interstate 75 (1-75) Interchange at Collier Boulevard The 1-75 Interchange at Collier Boulevard is currently going through a Project Development & Environmental (PD&E) study which was scheduled to be completed late last summer. Preliminary engineering is budgeted in the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Tentative Work Program for$5,575,120 for FY 2014/15. Right-of-Way acquisition is budgeted in the FDOT Tentative Work Program for $7,898,656 for FY 2018/2019. Construction is currently not programmed in the 5-year work program. At present, there are three alternatives that are being considered. The alternatives are either a flyover from northbound to westbound or loops for Collier Boulevard traffic to access 1-75. All alternatives have an ultimate north and southbound Collier Boulevard flyover of Davis Boulevard (SR 84). State Road (SR)29 PD&E We are currently working with the FDOT's consultant to help move this important project forward. TIGER Grant for Golden Gate Boulevard A planning application was made for FHWA/USDOT funding pre-construction activities related to Phases II and III of the Golden Gate Boulevard expansion project. If awarded,the funding is expected by the end of the year. Golden Gates Estates Mobility Needs Connectivity Improvements are needed, including additional bridges. Three of the 11 prioritized bridges are programmed for construction 2016/2017 (8th Street NE, 16th Street NE & 47th Avenue NE) with funding coming from FDOT. The remaining bridges will be prioritized over the next 20 years using FDOT funding. Immokalee Road Expansion Improvements to this road are needed in order to address increased use generated by the Seminole Casino in Immokalee. 4 Packet Page-1887- 6/10/2014 16.F.1. MAP-21 Policy Priorities • Support dedicated funding source for transit. • Correct Florida's historical inequity in transportation funding, as Florida currently ranks third worst 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. Collier Boulevard from Green Boulevard to Golden Gate Boulevard Four-to six-lane expansion is viable because of FDOT TRIP Grant funding. A Design Build will start late this calendar year (2014). Golden Gate Pedestrian Walkway Improvements The community would benefit from infrastructure to improve walkability and safety for schoolchildren as they travel to and from six local schools. We are working with our partners at FDOT to provide funding for better sidewalk connections in Golden Gate City proper. Intersection of Immokalee Road and Randall Boulevard This project envisions an at-grade improvement for Phase Ito be built in a configuration for a future flyover(westbound Randall to westbound Immokalee Road). The Phase I improvement will add westbound left turn lanes to accommodate the heavy left turn movement. The future flyover will address this heavy westbound left turn movement with free flow left turn lanes over Immokalee Road. This project is currently undergoing Efficient Transportation Decision Making (ETDM)analysis and will shortly become a PD&E project. • Intersection of US 41 and Pine Ridge Road This project as developed by Collier County and funded by FDOT envisions reconfiguring the lanes to better accommodate westbound traffic thus adding capacity to the intersection. Intelligent Transportation System(ITS)Emergency Pre-emptive on all Signals in Collier County The first phase is under way with FDOT providing the equipment and Collier County providing the installation of pre-emption receivers, hardware and software on state road intersections within the county. Phase II and III will follow for county road intersections over the next couple of years. Collier Boulevard(SR 951),from Manatee Road to about One Mile to the North at the Terminus of Current Six Laning This proposed improvement from a four-lane section to a six-lane section is currently undergoing ETDM analysis and will shortly become a PD&E project. It will include the SR 951 Bridge over Henderson Creek. Collier Area Transit(CAT) CAT is funded primarily through state grants and TRIP funds. The county is getting ready to retrofit an old car dealership into a transit facility,which could include a permanent fueling facility. The county is looking at CNG as a possible fueling source. Collier County currently has 23 fixed-route buses and would like to double that. Intelligent Transportation System(ITS) CAT is a young transit system that has been successful in growing its ridership to 1.3 million in just 13 years. By utilizing ARRA funding, CAT recently equipped its 23-bus fleet with automatic vehicle locators, passenger counters and automated voice announciators. Phase 2 of ITS implementation will allow trip planning. Riders will be able to put in their origin and destination,and receive information on the route that will take them where they want to go. Rider will also receive a text or email before the bus is scheduled to arrive at a bus stop. Wifi access is planned for buses as well. The planned technology also includes transit signal priority to ensure that the system maintains a high on-time performance. 5 Packet Page-1888- 6/10/2014 16.F.1. Intersection of Immokalee Road and Randall Boulevard n This project envisions an at-grade improvement for Phase Ito be built in a configuration for a future flyover(westbound Randall to westbound Immokalee Road). The Phase I improvement will add westbound left turn lanes to accommodate the heavy left turn movement. The flyover will address this heavy westbound left turn movement with free flow left turn lanes over Immokalee Road. Both the Phase I and ultimate flyover will improve the operational efficiency of the intersection. Potential Grant Opportunities: DOT TIGER, FHWA Transit SGR,Transportation Alternative Planning(TAP)and others IV. Energy, Sustainability and Federal Lands PILT(payment in lieu of taxes) Support the federal PILT program. Collier County is one of only two counties in Florida that receive PILT funding due to the amount of land in our respective borders. The present authorized Federal PILT program sunsets this year (2014). Collier currently receives more than $1.2 million annually. These funds are used for county Fire, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the Sheriff. Given the amount of federal lands within Collier, any elimination of federal PILT funding would pose a hardship to the county,especially within those services for which the funding is utilized. Biosolids to Re-Use:Renewable Energy/Power Production and Renewable Fertilized Infused Composted Mulch program Collier County is currently looking for a public private partnership to design, build and operate a renewable energy biosolids facility that will provide beneficial use of the County's biosolids, septage,foods,oils,grease and horticulture Naste streams to produce energy and a soil fertilizer for local markets. Reclamation of Additional Landfills in Environmentally Sensitive Areas Collier County continues to search for opportunities to reclaim or mitigate closed landfill cells for resource recovery and future beneficial land use. Resource Recovery Business Park This project is currently in the site development and permitting phases and focuses on building infrastructure to bring businesses to our community that seek to do recycling and waste reuse work. Businesses that the county intends to attract include those that turn waste materials like tires, biosolids, horticulture waste and recyclables into usable goods. Compressed natural gas(CNG)conversion for waste collection vehicles This project envisions a compressed natural gas fleet and fueling facility that will provide more efficient and lower emission vehicles for the community's waste collection and transportation needs. This facility may also be utilized by public schools, police and public transit to use more environmentally friendly fuels and lessen our dependency on foreign energy. Potential Grant Opportunities: Department of Energy Programs, EPA Brownfields,and US Economic Development Administration 6 Packet Page-1889- 6/10/2014 16.F.1 . V. Human Services Community Development Block Grant(CDBG) Oppose any cuts to the federal CDBG program. This important program provides our county with the flexibility to address local needs that help spur homeownership and housing rehabilitation for low to moderate income persons, provide for necessary public improvements, public services, and economic development projects. These activities not only help individual communities by improving their living environment, but also strengthen our nation's economy and leverage additional local investment.Over the years the CDBG program has helped stabilize our community during one of the worst housing crises and economic downturns in recent years. Senior Corps Oppose any cuts to the Federal Senior Corps and the communities they serve. Senior Corps supports three volunteer programs for older Americans: the Foster Grandparent Program, the Senior Companion Program and RSVP. This year, more than 360,000 seniors are volunteering their skills and experiences of a lifetime through Senior Corps programs, helping address vital community needs throughout the country. Collier County has coordinated this program for many years and has saved millions of taxpayer dollars through volunteer efforts. The volunteers in our community give back to our disadvantaged residents who would otherwise not be served. Veterans Nursing Home The State of Florida has announced plans to build a 7th veteran's nursing home in the state and Collier County is one of eight counties competing for the site.The county has more than 18,000 veterans over the age of 65. The facility will include 120 beds.The state will construct the facility using primarily state and federal funds. Collier County is offering a 20-acre tract of"shovel ready" land and $500,000 in cash toward the project. Potential Grant Opportunities: Department of Health and Human Services Programs, Veterans Affairs Programs, Department of Housing and Urban Development Programs,and others VI. Public Safety, Disaster Preparedness and Recovery. Public Safety Equipment The county seeks federal support for the acquisition of special support vehicles, breathing apparatus, and a Med Flight helicopter for use in the event of a mass casualty incident through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's)grant programs. Policy Priorities • Support Increased Funding for FEMA's Emergency Management Performance Grants which provide 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. 7 Packet Page-1890- 6/10/2014 16.F.1. • Support Post-Storm Debris Removal and Disposal from Private Property Generally, debris removal and disposal from private property following a disaster is the responsibility of the property owner. However, local, state, and federally-declared emergencies—and large scale disasters, including federally-declared emergencies like hurricanes and tropical storms—may deposit enormous quantities of debris on private property over a large area resulting in widespread, immediate threats to the public and hampering a municipality's ability to provide essential services to include, EMS, fire, police, waste collection, water and wastewater services. In these cases, the state or local government may need to enter private roads, canals, easements, gated communities, and 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 citizens in the area. As a part of the debris mission, hazardous materials must be contained, collected,stored,transported and properly disposed. We seek to clarify the regulations and ensure reimbursement to local governments with full federal response within 72 hours, and full recovery along with protection of coastal barrier zones and cities, including Marco Island,the village of Goodland, and all of the areas west and south of US 41 throughout the Collier County. • Support Initiatives like the National 287(g)Program to Address Illegal Immigration The 287(g) undocumented immigrant identification program is aimed at reducing the number of criminal aliens living and working in the State of Florida. In Collier,4,200 individuals who have been detained are responsible for at least 27,200 local crimes. Potential Grant Opportunities: FEMA FIRE and SAFER Grants,State Homeland Security Grant Program, DoJ Byrne/JAG Program,and others VII. Aviation Hangars and Facilities to Support Traffic Generated by Improved Airfield Infrastructure at Marco Island Airport With the new taxiway,traffic will increase significantly,generating a need for more hangars and a public facility for larger business jets. Rehabilitation of Runways at Marco Island Airport and Immokalee Airport Rehabilitation is currently under way. Marco is expected to be completed by the end of June 2014. Immokalee is scheduled to be completed at the end of August. Taxiway Extension at the Everglades City Airport A taxiway extension is under way and expected to be completed by the end of July. Security Upgrades at Immokalee Regional Airport The airport is currently updating security measures through a program paid for by FDOT. Potential Grant Opportunities: FAA, DoJ JAG/Byrne program,and others 8 Packet Page-1891- 6/10/2014 16.F.1. VIII. Local Government Administration Tax Exempt Status of Municipal Bonds The President's budget proposed a 28 percent cap on the value of certain tax benefits, including the tax-exempt interest of municipal bonds. Any changes to the taxation of municipal bonds would likely occur through reforms to the tax code, which are not likely to occur this year, but proposals to cap or eliminate tax-exempt municipal bonds continue to pose a threat to counties. Reduce Federal Regulation Collier County opposes federal regulations that place undue burdens upon local governments. IX. Recreation and Cultural Resources Freedom Memorial and Park Construction Support is needed for the construction phase of the monument park built to honor those killed during the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11,2001 as well as military veterans, law enforcement, and firefighters. Construction of Additional Amenities and Access at Eagle Lakes Park Additional funds will complete an aquatics facility that will complement the existing fields, spray park, playgrounds, community center and walking trails. Construction of Additional Amenities and Access at Big Corkscrew Park Design is complete and additional funds will complete phase one, which will include lake dredging for recreational fishing, pathway development,and the development of multipurpose athletic fields for soccer and lacrosse. "Greening of Parks"Sustainability Initiative There is interest in accessing U.S. Department of Energy-led energy savings resources for a possible countywide "greening of parks" initiative. Improvements may include sustainable design and construction, environmental audits and purchasing,and new recycling approaches. County-wide bike paths The county is supportive of the effort to connect bikeways and trails throughout South Florida. Priority Legislation • Park Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act(PIFIA) Support establishment of dedicated federal funding streams for local parks and recreation facilities through legislative authorization. Collier County supports the Urban Revitalization and Livable Communities Act, which would provide federal assistance grants to rehabilitate and develop urban parks and community recreational infrastructure. • Online Tourism Prevent passage of legislation that would exempt online tourism bookers from paying appropriate sales and transient lodging taxes to state and local governments. Currently, online travel companies such as Travelocity 9 Packet Page-1892- 6/10/2014 16.F.1. 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 online travel company than they collect on a room booked through a hotel directly. Some recent court rulings have sided with the online travel companies and others with the cities and counties. There is concern among collectors of these taxes that the federal government will attempt to exempt these online travel companies under provisions to "not tax the Internet." This argument is not valid, since these are retail transactions, not a communications service. Potential Grant Opportunities: National Endowment for the Arts, Land and Water Conservation Fund, Recreational Trails Program, Department of Energy Programs and others. 10 Packet Page-1893-