Milton wins FEMA funding for replacement generators; staff outlines 22-location priority list

Milton staff announced a successful FEMA grant application to replace and upgrade city generators at prioritized locations.

Sandy, on the grants team, summarized the award: the project request totaled $1.6 million, FEMA is expected to fund $1.2 million of the project, and the grant includes an administrative component so grant management can be funded (an amount of roughly $27,000 was cited to cover grant administration). Staff said the program targets 22 locations across the city (city hall, fire station, community centers, lift stations and other critical facilities) and that the work could be spread over two to three fiscal years depending on contract terms and bidding.

Sandy and planning staff said many existing generators had reached their useful life and that some will be relocated or liquidated through the city's standard surplus process; staff will return with contract and timeline details when the agreement arrives. Staff also noted they will request administrative costs in each grant going forward to fund grant management capacity.

Separately, planning staff introduced the Local Mitigation Strategy (LMS) update for 2026–2030, explaining that participation in the LMS and mitigation task force supports eligibility for federal mitigation funding under the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000; staff said the council must formally adopt the LMS and that the item will appear on the next meeting agenda.

Council accepted the information; staff will bring the FEMA agreement and an implementation schedule when available.