Summary The Florida Legislature, during the 2017 Legislative Session, established the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, codified in Florida Statute 288.101. The grant program is designed to fund public infrastructure and job training projects that support growth and employment in Florida's diverse industries. The State allocated $85 million in funding for its fiscal year beginning July 1, 2017.
Staff has reviewed the requirements of the grant and recommends the City make application for a public infrastructure grant to construct the portion of the San Felasco Parkway from CR 241 to Progress Blvd. The improvements would facilitate growth in the bioscience, manufacturing, pharmaceutical and medical device industries, which are considered Target Industries by the State. These industries already have a strong presence in Progress Park, Copeland Park and Alachua Research Park. Additionally, the advancement of studies in these fields by Santa Fe College and the University of Florida provide an excellent workforce pool and serve as a catalyst for innovation. The presence of the Sid Martin Biotechnology Incubator also provides another valuable asset to growth these Target Industries.
The project scope includes the construction of 7,300 linear feet of divided road with open swales that traverses through the University of Florida Foundation owned 280-acre site southwest of Progress Park. The design includes the Florida Department of Transportation Complete Streets elements such as 7-foot bike lanes and 8-foot sidewalks. Water, wastewater and electric infrastructure improvements are also included to generate a "shovel ready" site for development in the abovementioned Target Industries.
The total project cost is approximately $6.75 million, which includes roadway and utilities construction costs as well as design, permit and inspection fees. The City would request complete funding of the project via the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund.
Resolution 17-22 authorizes the City Manager to make application to the program on behalf of the City. |