CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
Memo Date: November 1, 2024
Agenda Date: November 12, 2024
Prepared By: Samantha Senger, Director of Communication and Economic Development
Through: Stockton Whitten, City Manager
Requested Action:
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Approve the grant application of $49,000,000 for the FY24 Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program offered by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for the construction of a Cocoa Multi-Modal Station. Authorize the City Manager to sign any documents related to the grant application.End
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BACKGROUND:
Staff is requesting approval to apply for the FY24 Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program offered by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for the Cocoa Multi-Modal Station project, which will fund the design and construction of the Brightline station in the City of Cocoa along with the required rail infrastructure to support the station. This grant requires a 25% match from the City. Staff will repurpose the grant application submitted for the CRISI grant with information provided from a follow-up meeting regarding that grant application. Staff is also requesting approval for the City Manager to sign any documents related to the grant application, if necessary.
Earlier this year, Cocoa City Council earmarked $5,000,000 ($2.5M FY24 & $2.5M FY25) in economic incentives to support the project which can be used towards the matching component of the grant. The recent commitment of $5,000,000 in tourism development tax money approved by the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners at their May 7, 2024, meeting will also be put towards the match component.
Construction of a Cocoa Multi-Modal Station will be transformative for both the City of Cocoa and all of Brevard County. If awarded this grant, staff will prepare an agenda item to accept the grant and a BAF to provide budget for the grant-funded project.
STRATEGIC PLAN CONNECTION:
Investment in Public Infrastructure: Enhance the City’s transportation networks with a Brightline Multi-modal station.
Economic/Community Development: Enable growth through enhanced and modernized infrastructure.
BUDGETARY IMPACT:
The City of Cocoa will allocate a total of $5,000,000 over two fiscal years towards the grant match for this project.
PREVIOUS ACTION:
In 2024, Cocoa City Council approved the allocation of $5,000,000 over two years towards the design and construction of the station.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Recommendation
Approve the grant application of $49,000,000 for the FY24 Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program offered by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for the construction of a Cocoa Multi-Modal Station. Authorize the City Manager to sign any documents related to the grant application.