City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE
OF A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR AN
ENGINEERING STUDY TO ADDRESS FLOODING
AT THE INTERSECTION OF SOUTH THIRD
AVENUE AND SOUTH COLUMBUS AVENUE
Whereas, by letter dated November 6, 2024, the Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Public Works (“DPW”) has requested legislation authorizing the Department of Public Works to release a Request for Proposals (“RFP”) to engage a qualified engineering firm to perform studies and analyses of the flood-prone area at the intersection of South Third Avenue and South Columbus Avenue; and
Whereas, the intersection of South Third Avenue and South Columbus Avenue serves as a major thoroughfare and entrance/exit point for the City of Mount Vernon; and
Whereas, the area frequently experiences severe flooding due to stormwater system backups during rainstorms and high tide events near the Canal Outfall #34, impeding traffic flow, impacting public safety, and damaging city infrastructure; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon seeks a qualified engineering firm to conduct a comprehensive study of the project area, including environmental and historical assessments, to determine viable solutions to mitigate flooding at this key location; and
Whereas, the scope of work for the selected engineering firm will include a detailed report on existing conditions, an analysis of environmental and historical resources, a review of potential alternatives with cost estimates, and a recommended solution for advancing the project toward future design and construction funding; and
Whereas, this project is eligible for reimbursable funding from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) under Advance Assistance (AA), providing up to $950,000 in federal funds for the approved Scope of Work (SOW); and
Whereas, the Department of Public Works intends to implement selected flood mitigation measures based on the study’s recommendations and prepare a future FEMA mitigation funding application to address flood risks at the project site further; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact:
Section 1. Authorization to Issue Request for Proposals (RFP). The City Council authorizes the Department of Public Works to release a Request for Proposals (RFP) to engage a qualified engineering firm to perform studies and analyses of the flood-prone area at the intersection of South Third Avenue and South Columbus Avenue.
Section 2. Scope of Work for Engineering Study. The selected engineering firm shall be responsible for:
• Conducting a detailed assessment of the existing flooding issues at the intersection.
• Preparing an analysis of environmental and historical resources within the project area.
• Evaluating potential alternatives for flood mitigation, including preliminary cost estimates.
• Recommending a comprehensive solution to support a future FEMA funding application for the design and construction phases.
Section 3. Funding Source. Funding for this project will be provided through the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) for the approved Scope of Work, with federal reimbursements not to exceed $950,000 for eligible project costs.
Section 4. Implementation. Following the study and analysis, the Department of Public Works is authorized to implement approved flood mitigation interventions based on the engineering firm’s recommendations and to proceed with necessary actions to secure future FEMA mitigation funding.
Section 4. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its approval by the City Council.