Public entities in Sarasota County are now eligible to apply for $87 million in infrastructure funding, as part of the Resilient SRQ program reestablished to disburse federal hurricane recovery dollars.
The funds now available through the open application window will be used for two programs: $57 million for infrastructure and public facilities and $30 million for dredging of major waterways.
Municipalities that can apply for funding include Sarasota, Venice, North Port, and Longboat Key. Other public entities, such as the Sarasota County Schools and the Englewood Fire Department, can also apply for funding; however, special taxing bodies, such as the West Coast Inland Navigation District, are ineligible, according to a county spokesperson.
Resilient SRQ was initially formed for Sarasota County to shell out federal recovery funds for Hurricane Ian. The program was renewed after Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton wrought havoc in the area over the span of a couple months.
The county’s action plan calls for an additional $45 million to dredge Phillippi Creek.
Sarasota spokesperson Luke Mocherman said the city will collaborate with the county on Resilient SRQ projects, rather than compete for funding.
“Under the City–County Interlocal Agreement, the Sarasota County Stormwater Department will take the lead on applying for eligible stormwater and resiliency projects within the city,” Mocherman said in an email.
The city has forwarded its priority projects to the county, which include dredging efforts at Hudson Bayou and Whitaker Bayou, and improving the flooding infrastructure on St. Armands.
North Port spokesperson Jason Bartolone said the city is still reviewing which kinds of projects would be eligible; it has previously considered projects such as the repair and replacement of water infrastructure.
“North Port has a total of 64 water control structures, many of which are aging,” Bartolone said in an email.
A Venice spokesperson said the city will need time to review the application. A spokesperson with the Sarasota County Schools said the system has no current plans to apply for grants.
The total pot of Resilient SRQ grant money, according to the action plan approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, is about $210 million. Other funding allocations by the county include:
The application window is open through Oct. 17.
Christian Casale covers local government for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Email him at ccasale@gannett.com or christiancasale@protonmail.com
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota County opens $87 million grant window for infrastructure, waterway projects
Reporting by Christian Casale, Sarasota Herald-Tribune / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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