HomeMy WebLinkAbout(0007) M&C 21-0294City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Communication
DATE: 04/20/21 M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 21-0294
LOG NAME: 60FY21INNOVATIVE WATER INFRASTRUCTURE WORKFORCE GRANT
SUBJECT
(ALL) Ratify Application for, and Authorize Acceptance of, if Awarded, the Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development Grant to Occur
in Fiscal Year 2021 in an Amount Up to $500,000.00, Authorize Execution of Related Grant Agreement, and Adopt Attached Appropriation
Ordinance
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Ratify application for, and authorize acceptance of, if awarded, the Fiscal Year 2021 Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development
Grant in an amount of up to $500,000.00;
2. Authorize the execution of a grant agreement with the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, Office of Wastewater
Management for the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 grant; and
3. Adopt the attached appropriation ordinance increasing receipts and appropriations in the Grants Operating Federal Fund in an amount up to
$500,000.00.
DISCUSSION:
The purpose of United States (U.S.) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Water, Office of Wastewater Management Innovative Water
Infrastructure Workforce Development Grant Program in the Fiscal Year 2021-2022, is to (1) assist in the development and use of innovative
activities relating to water workforce development and career opportunities in the drinking water and wastewater utility sector, and (2) expand
public awareness about drinking water and wastewater utilities and to connect individuals to careers in the drinking water and wastewater utility
sector. If awarded, the grant will be used to expand and enhance the existing partnership between the City of Fort Worth Water Department and the
Fort Worth Independent School District's (FWISD) Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) program. The grant period for
this award is from 10/01/2021 to 09/30/2022.
The overall goal of the Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development Grant Program is an increased awareness in water/wastewater
careers. Drinking water and wastewater utilities provide a unique opportunity for access to stable, rewarding, and high -quality careers. As utilities
make critical investments in infrastructure, drinking water and wastewater utilities can also invest in the development of a strong local workforce to
strengthen communities and ensure a strong pipeline of skilled and diverse workers for today and tomorrow. To further the goal of ensuring a
strong pipeline of skilled and diverse workers in the water utilities sector, Congress authorized EPA to develop a grant program that will accelerate
career pipelines and provide access to water utility workforce opportunities.
Our focus for use of the funds will be project area 2, which is specified for education programs designed for elementary, secondary, and higher
education students. This is to include specific actions to inform students about the role of drinking water and wastewater utilities in their
communities; increase student awareness of career opportunities and increase student exposure to water utility careers through various work -
based learning opportunities inside and outside the classroom; and connect students to career pathways related to water utilities.
To accomplish this the Water Department in partnership with FWISD will: (1) create targeted interactive learning using our own plants and water
treatment/distribution processes for elementary students; (2) provide exposure to water careers with interactive "day in the life" games using virtual
reality (VR) or web -based application for secondary school students; and (3) create learning laboratories and work -based learning programs
centered on use of VR for the P-TECH students already enrolled in the program.
There is no match requirement for this grant.
This grant will serve ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS.
A Form 1295 is not required because: This M&C does not request approval of a contract with a business entity.
FISCAL INFORMATION / CERTIFICATION:
The Director of Finance certifies that upon approval of the above recommendations and adoption of the attached appropriation ordinance, funds
will be available in the current operating budget, as appropriated, in the Grants Operating Federal Fund. The Water Department (and Financial
Management Services) will be responsible for the collection and deposit of funds due to the City. Prior to an expenditure being incurred, the Water
Department has the responsibility to validate the availability of funds. This is a reimbursement grant.
Submitted for City Manager's Office by. Dana Burghdoff 8018
Originating Business Unit Head: Chris Harder 5020
Additional Information Contact: Kara Shuror 8819