Interoffice Memorandum
DATE: June 11, 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): PM-05D38225-0 between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Orange County in the amount of $93,643 with an initial award amount of $65,000, subject to availability of funds from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, relating to support of ambient air monitoring for fine particulate matter and authorization for the Environmental Protection Division Manager to make non-substantial amendments to the agreement, including additional service periods. The grant period is April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2027. All Districts. (Environmental Protection Division)
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PROJECT: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Grant Number PM-05D38225-0
PURPOSE: The Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has received approval of Grant Number PM-05D38225-0 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to support the ongoing collection of data on the ambient air concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM) and 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.
The size of particles in ambient air is directly linked to their potential for causing health problems. Small particles less than 2.5 microns in size pose the greatest risk because they can penetrate deeply into the lungs and cause a variety of health problems affecting the lungs and heart. This new grant agreement provides funding to support EPD’s continued monitoring of concentrations of fine PM for comparison to health- based standards established by EPA. 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 initial award amount authorized for this grant is $93,643 with a project period from April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2027. The current award for this two-year grant is $65,000 this fiscal year with the remaining $28,643 expected next fiscal year. Future awards are subject to the availability of federal funding. In accordance with the terms of the agreement, EPA agrees to a cost share of 100% of all approved budget period costs incurred up to and not exceeding $93,643 (i.e., no match is required). 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 PM-05D38225-0, was reviewed by the County Attorney’s Office and the County Grants Oversight Committee.
BUDGET: N/A