Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Leonard Vialpando
Department: Public Works and Environmental Services
Division: Natural Resources Division
Information
Requested Action
title
MOTION TO APPROVE revised Coastal Dune Restoration Program Grant Agreement form (“Grant Agreement Form”) and Coastal Dune Restoration Grant Application (“Application”) to increase the grant award from a maximum award amount of $5,000 to an amount not-to-exceed $10,000 and to make minor housekeeping amendments to the Grant Agreement Form and Application; and to authorize the County Administrator to execute the Grant Agreement Form with any required modifications, provided such modifications do not impose any additional, material financial risk on the County and subject to review and approval as to legal sufficiency by the Office of the County Attorney. (Commission Districts 2, 4 and 6)
body
Why Action is Necessary
Board approval is required to authorize the use of the Grant Agreement Form and Application.
What Action Accomplishes
This action authorizes the use of the Grant Agreement Form and Application and provides authority for the Office of the County Attorney to make minor edits to the Grant Agreement Form, if and when necessary; and provides authority for the County Administrator to execute the Agreement.
Goal Related Icon(s)
☒County Commission
☐Go Green
☐MAP Broward
Previous Action Taken
The Broward County Board of Commissioners approved the implementation of the Broward County Coastal Dune Restoration Grant Program, the Coastal Dune Restoration Grant Application Form and the Coastal Dune Restoration Program Grant Agreement for dissemination of funds on June 2, 2015 (Item No. 27). On March 28, 2017, a revised Coastal Dune Restoration Program Grant Agreement and Coastal Dune Restoration Grant Application for dissemination of funds was approved (Item No. 26). On June 5, 2018, an amended Coastal Dune Restoration Grant Form Agreement was approved, with update to the County’s standard form language on indemnification (Item No. 27).
Summary Explanation/Background
THE PUBLIC WORKS AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE MOTION.
Approval of this item supports the Commission Value of Collaboration: “Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives and the Board’s goal of a Resilient Community: Ensuring accessible, seamlessly integrated investments in renewable energy, sustainable practices, manufacturing, resilient infrastructure and environmental protection.”
The coastal dune restoration grants are available to coastal municipalities, coastal property owners, condominium associations, civic organizations and non-profit groups. Grantees must complete their dune restoration projects within one year and 60 days of executing an agreement with Broward County unless a time extension is requested and granted. The maximum individual grant award is currently limited to $5,000 and applicants must provide a minimum 50% cost share for their projects.
Since the Coastal Dune Restoration Program’s inception in 2015, the cost of native dune plants, lumber, irrigation supplies and related materials has risen. Many dune restoration projects now exceed $5,000, necessitating applicants to apply for multiple grants to complete a single project. In both 2024 and 2025, 90% of the grants awarded went to applicants with multiple successful applications. Increasing the maximum grant award up to $10,000 will streamline the grant reimbursement process, allowing projects to be completed under one application and one corresponding grant agreement. This change will reduce duplicative work for grantees, program staff, the Office of the County Attorney and administrative personnel.
The original Coastal Dune Restoration Grant Program and associated documents were approved by the Commission on June 2, 2015 (Item No. 27). To date over 30 projects have been completed in the cities of Deerfield Beach, Hillsboro Beach, Pompano Beach, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood Beach and Hallandale Beach. These projects have helped create awareness about the importance of vegetated sand dunes as essential natural features that reduce coastal flooding, protect upland development and infrastructure from coastal hazards, restore coastal habitat and contribute to the long-term sustainability and health of Broward County’s beaches. In addition, the program enhances community awareness and engagement by encouraging residents, associations and organizations to participate in the long-term stewardship of the County’s beaches.
Source of Additional Information
Monica Pognon, Director, Natural Resources Division, 954-519-1476.
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
Funding for this program is already allocated through Capital funds. There is no fiscal impact associated with these actions.