Resolution Item X.4 Community Project Funding

[Shane Saum]

Council,

My apologies for this item coming forward on short notice ahead of tomorrow’s meeting. The U.S. House Appropriations Committee only released the guidance for Fiscal Year 2027 Community Project Funding requests last week, so we have had to move quickly to ensure Lago Vista does not miss the opportunity to submit projects through Congressman McCaul’s office.

This resolution is a required step in the application process to demonstrate City Council support for the projects we intend to submit. Staff have prepared the initial project summaries, and over the next week we will finalize the full applications.

The primary projects we plan to submit are for WP 3 expansion WP 1 rehab, as well as the installation of permanent backup generators at critical drinking water infrastructure facilities, including Water Treatment Plant 1, Raw Water Intake 1, and the intake serving Water Treatment Plant 3. These facilities are essential to maintaining potable water service during power outages and emergency events.

In addition, I have begun reaching out to our state delegation, Travis County officials, and community members to request support letters that will strengthen the application. I have also been in contact with Congressman McCaul's office to let them know of our intent.

Lago Vista was successful in receiving Community Project Funding in a previous cycle, and this resolution allows us to position the City to compete again for federal funding that could help us strengthen our infrastructure while reducing the burden on local taxpayers.

Thank you for your flexibility as we work within the federal timeline.


minute.

 

[Norma Owen]

Thank you, Mayor, for moving quickly to position Lago Vista to meet the federal timeline and for coordinating early outreach with Michael McCaul’s office and our regional partners. This is a well-prepared draft resolution and an important step in ensuring the City does not miss the opportunity to compete for Community Project Funding for critical drinking water infrastructure.

In order to further strengthen the resolution and align it with common language used in federal infrastructure support resolutions, should we consider adding a few clarifying elements:

1. Clarify that funding is subject to federal approval and appropriations

Suggested language:

The City Council expresses support for pursuing Community Project Funding subject to federal approval and available appropriations to support drinking water infrastructure resiliency improvements.

2. Affirm that project implementation would remain subject to City Council approval

Suggested language:

Nothing in this resolution shall be construed to authorize expenditure of funds or project implementation without further approval by the City Council as required by law.

3. Strengthen resiliency and public safety justification

Suggested language:

These improvements will strengthen the City’s ability to maintain potable water service during disaster events, severe weather, and electrical grid interruptions.

4. Add regional emergency response capability language

Suggested language:

WHEREAS, reliable drinking water infrastructure is essential to supporting emergency response, firefighting capability, and continuity of operations during regional disaster events.

These additions may help reinforce the resiliency and public safety components of the request while clearly stating the limits of the resolution itself.

Appreciate the work that has gone into positioning Lago Vista for this funding opportunity.

 

[Karen Van Ness]

Thank you Mayor for taking the immediate steps to help position us to compete again for federal funding to help strengthen our infrastructure. I think Mayor Pro Tem Owen's proposed addition strengthen the resolution. Will we be reviewing a hard copy of this updated resolution at this evening's meeting? I'd like to ensure we vote on the "final" version of the resolution.

 

[Amanda Chavarria]

I agree with Mayor Pro-Tem Owen regarding the proposed language edit and would fully support this resolution once presented to council for vote. Thank you, Mayor Saum, for your perseverance and immense contributions to ensure that we garner as much support and funding as possible.

 

[Norma Owen]

Thank you for the notes Councilors Van Ness and Chavarria. Attached is a proposed "final" version with the suggested changes mentioned. I will bring copies today so this resolution can be reviewed in it's entirety.