Interoffice Memorandum
DATE: July 14, 2025
TO: Mayor Jerry L. Demings and County Commissioners
THROUGH: N/A
FROM: Tanya Wilson, AICP, Director, Planning, Environmental, and Development Services Department
CONTACT: Renée H. Parker, LEP, Manager, Environmental Protection Officer
PHONE: (407) 836-1420
DIVISION: Environmental Protection Division
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Approval of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Cooperative Agreement Grant Number (FAIN): A-95450425-0 between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Orange County in the amount of $956,043 ($500,000 total award amount from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency agreement of 52.3% cost-share, County cost-share of 47.7%) with an initial award amount of $100,000 and subject to availability of funds from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, relating to support of air pollution control systems throughout the county and authorization for the Environmental Protection Division Manager to make non-substantial amendments to the agreement, including additional service periods. The grant period is October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2026. All Districts. (Environmental Protection Division)
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PROJECT: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Grant Number A-95450425-0
PURPOSE: The Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has received approval of Grant Number A-95450425-0 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to support the ongoing implementation of air pollution control programs throughout the county. This includes activities such as Title V permitting, compliance and enforcement of stationary sources, pollutant prevention outreach, emission inventories and ambient air quality monitoring to support the County's efforts with staying in compliance with National Ambient Air Quality Standards. For many years, EPD has received similar grants from EPA to perform these duties under the Clean Air Act.
This grant supports activities to maintain and improve the air quality of the County for our public. Pollutants in ambient air are directly linked to their potential for causing health problems. This new grant agreement provides funding to support EPD’s continued air quality program. Outcomes to this program provide a greater awareness of the emerging threats to public health and the environment. This grant will coincide with the Specific Operating Agreement (SOA) between the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Board, which was approved by the Board on April 9, 2024. The SOA defines the scope of services that EPD will provide as a designated local air program.
The total anticipated funding from the EPA for the two-year project period from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2026, is $500,000. These funds will be distributed incrementally over Fiscal Years (FY) 2025 and 2026. EPA has currently authorized $250,000 per fiscal year for this grant. For FY 2025, an initial award of $100,000 this fiscal year with the remaining $150,000 expected to be awarded by the end of FY 2025. Future awards are subject to the availability of federal funding. Under the terms of the agreement, EPA will provide a cost-share of 52.3% of all approved costs, up to a maximum of $500,000. The County’s required cost-share of 47.7% amounts to $456,043. Combined, the EPA grant and County contribution total $956,043 in project funding. EPD is not requesting additional funding or additional staff as part of this grant.
It is also requested that the EPD Manager be granted authorization to make non-substantial amendments to the agreement, including additional service periods, subject to availability of funds from the EPA.
As indicated in the Notice of Award, a representative from Orange County is not required to sign the agreement. The County’s commitment to carry out this award is demonstrated by either drawing down the funds or not filing a notice of disagreement with the award terms and conditions within stipulated timeframes.
Cooperative Agreement, Grant Number A-95450425-0, was reviewed as to form by the County Attorney’s Office and the County Grants Oversight Committee.
BUDGET: N/A