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Clay County declines to allocate its HMGP share to state's Elevate Florida program

2900913 ยท April 8, 2025

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Summary

Board voted to contribute 0% of Clay County's anticipated Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds to the state's new Elevate Florida program, citing limited local storm damage, a backlog of county mitigation projects, and uncertainty whether donated funds would return to local projects.

The Clay County Board of County Commissioners voted April 8 to allocate 0% of the county's anticipated HMGP funds to the state's new Elevate Florida program.

Emergency management staff described the choice as a response to limited local damage in recent storms and competing mitigation priorities inside the county. Tim (presenter) said Clay County stands to receive about $7.1 million through HMGP related to Hurricane Milton; commissioners were told the county's Local Mitigation Strategy (LMS) currently lists roughly $98.8 million in infrastructure projects awaiting funding.

Tim told the board the Elevate Florida program, launched in February with a $240 million state pot, allows citizens to apply for mitigation grants but that the state guidance and application window are new and evolving. Board members noted no Clay County residents had filed Elevate Florida applications as of the meeting's close and that the application window was due to close within days.

"We have a lot of things that we need to take care of," said one commissioner during debate, citing the LMS backlog and local priorities such as drainage, generators, and shelter hardening. The board's motion to contribute 0% passed with a majority vote.

County staff said the decision is reversible: the board may revisit a contribution after future storms or as program guidance changes. Staff also emphasized that HMGP money earmarked for Clay County would remain available for the LMS projects on the county's list.