Minutes 09/13/2022 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

September 13, 2022 “ORDINANCE ACCEPTING SETTLEMENT FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $78,765.20 FROM THE NATIONAL OPIOIDS SETTLEMENT FUND TRUST AND APPROPRIATING SAID AMOUNT IN THE FY 2023 BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE SERVICE FUND FOR USE BY BHS FOR APPROVED ABATEMENT PURPOSES AS DEFINED BY THE VIRGINIA OPIOID FUND AND SETTLEMENT ALLOCATION MOU.” Ayes: Barnes, Battle, Lucas-Burke, Moody, Whitaker, Woodard, Glover Nays: None 22 - 272 - Adoption of a resolution certifying the City of Portsmouth’s support of an application for a Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development Port Host Communities Grant in the amount of $415,657 in furtherance of the revitalization of 16 Harper Avenue for port-related uses. Background:  Four years ago, the Virginia General Assembly created the Port Host Communities Revitalization Fund.  Under the terms of the Fund, the five Port Host Communities (Portsmouth, Front Royal, Newport News, Norfolk and Richmond) are able to apply for grants from an annual pool of $1,500,000.  The grant money is to be used for the redevelopment of port-related properties to further economic development and employment growth.  Every year, the Economic Development Department solicits private entities to submit projects for consideration for Port Host Communities funding, and the Portsmouth Port and Industrial Commission selects which project should be submitted to DHCD for possible grant funding.  Last year, the Department and PPIC partnered with JSSY, LLC (DBA International Flooring & Protective Coatings, Inc.) and received an award of $856,000 for the revitalization of 3301 Shipwright St. Discussion:  On August 23, 2022 PPIC adopted a resolution selecting a project submitted by Crofton Construction Services, Inc. to apply for this year’s round of Port Host Communities funding.  The project involves the performance of waterfront bulkhead replacement at 16 Harper Ave. to prepare the site for redevelopment. This would continue the revitalization of the Portsmouth Marine Terminal industrial area.  The application will seek a grant of $415,657 from DHCD. Crofton Construction Services, Inc. will expend at least $415,657 of its own funds to serve as the required match for the grant. It is anticipated that the project will ultimately result in increased business operations and approximately 30 new employee positions. The project will also improve the aesthetics of the area.  Neither PPIC nor the City will have any liability for the project or obligation to commit any local funding to the project.  The Resolution proposed for City Council consideration affirms Council’s support for the project and is required in order for the Port Host Communities application to be submitted. Financial Impact:  If the application is successful, the project would be funded entirely by the Commonwealth of Virginia and private funding. No City or PPIC funds are required to be expended as a match for the Port Host Communities grant. Recommended Action:  Adoption of the Resolution. Next Steps Following Council Action:  The Resolution will be included in the Port Host Communities application package.