Meeting Type: BCC Regular Meeting
Meeting Date: 6/3/2025
Item Status: New
From: Frank Lundy, P.E., County Engineer
Mark Acreman, P.E., Assistant County Engineer
Seth Peterson, P.E., Pre-Construction Manager
Submitted by: Stacy Appleton, Project Coordinator
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ITEM TITLE
Title
Request for Transfer of GOMESA Funds for Kelly Pit Regional Detention Project
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Authorize the Highway Department to submit a request to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) for the transfer of Gulf of Mexico Security Act (GOMESA) funds of $2,791,691.50 from the completed Right of Way Acquisition Phase to the Construction Phase of the Magnolia River Watershed Constructed Wetlands and Regional Detention - Kelly Pit Mitigation Site Project.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Background: The GOMESA Grant provided funds not to exceed four (4) million dollars for the purchase of the Kelly Pit and design for Regional Detention. Acquisition is now complete with $2,791,691.50 of GOMESA funds remaining. This project will convert 130.15 acres of existing borrow pits and surrounding land into constructed wetlands and regional detention ponds to improve water quality and mitigate flooding in the Magnolia River Watershed as well as the Weeks Bay Watershed.
Previous Commission action/date:
09/17/2024: Approved and authorized the Chairman to execute the Amendment to the GOMESA Grant Agreement from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources extending the Agreement project performance date for the Magnolia River Watershed Constructed Wetlands and Regional Detention - Kelly Pit Mitigation Site to September 30, 2026; and approved the extension of the Professional Services Agreement with Volkert, Inc. for the Engineering / Environmental Services for the Kelly Pit Regional Detention project for twenty-four (24) months, continuing from March 21, 2024, and ending March 21, 2026, under the same terms and conditions as the existing agreement approved during the March 21, 2023, Regular meeting.
03/06/2023: Approved the Agreement between the Baldwin County Commission and Volkert, Inc., for the Engineering / Environmental Services for the Kelly Pit Regional Detention project in the amount of $600,902.00 and authorized the Chairman to execute the Agreement.
11/01/2022: Approved the Purchasing Department and Highway Department to develop a “Request for Qualifications” (RFQ) to acquire professional services for the Kelly Pit Regional Detention Project and place an advertisement for submissions and authorize the staff to negotiate a fee with the most qualified firm so that a final recommendation for award can be made.
05/03/2022: Approved the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 (GOMESA) Grant Agreement with the State of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) for the purchase of 175 acres (Kelly Pit) and design of constructed wetlands and detention ponds to improve water quality and mitigate flooding. Agreement will terminate December 29, 2024, unless extended in writing by ADCNR by amendment.
07/20/2021: Approved the Highway Department to submit a grant application to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) for $13,557,500.00 Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) funds allocated to Coastal Alabama. The awarded funds will be used by the Baldwin County Commission to convert existing dirt pits into constructed wetlands and regional detention ponds to improve water quality and to mitigate flooding in the Magnolia River watershed.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Total cost of recommendation: N/A
Budget line item(s) to be used: N/A
If this is not a budgeted expenditure, does the recommendation create a need for funding? N/A
LEGAL IMPACT
Is legal review necessary for this staff recommendation and related documents?
N/A
Reviewed/approved by: N/A
Additional comments: N/A
ADVERTISING REQUIREMENTS
Is advertising required for this recommendation? N/A
If the proof of publication affidavit is not attached, list the reason: N/A
FOLLOW UP IMPLEMENTATION
For time-sensitive follow up, select deadline date for follow up: N/A
Individual(s) responsible for follow up: Highway Department Staff will complete the GOMESA Project Submittal format and submit the request to ADCNR.
Action required (list contact persons/addresses if documents are to be mailed or emailed): N/A
Additional instructions/notes: N/A