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.
The City Commission, during its City Commission meeting on Aug. 28, 2017, authorized the City Manager via Resolution 17-22 to make application to the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund. Staff developed an 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 grow 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 requested complete funding of the project via the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund.
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has continued to evaluate applications submitted to the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund. The City's application is also being evaluated. The City received notification in December that the project remains in consideration.
In the event the City is awarded funding, the Administration is requesting the City Commission authorize the Mayor and/or City Manager to sign all necessary documents to accept and agree to the grant award. This will provide for expedited administration activities. |