Panama City Secures HUD Grant to Revitalize Glenwood's Aging Infrastructure

Panama City, Panama - On June 10, Panama City took a significant step towards revitalizing the Glenwood area by approving a $359,840 task order with Dewberry Engineers. This project is aimed at addressing the aging infrastructure that has plagued the community for years, with some of these systems dating back over 40 years. City Manager Jonathan Hayes underscored the urgency of the repairs, noting the complications arising from a lack of precise records for the city’s underground utilities, which hamper new construction efforts.

The initiative is funded through community development block grant disaster recovery (CDBG-DR) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – a well-timed intervention, considering the challenges the community faces. The funding will also cover construction engineering and inspection (CEI), a critical element to ensure compliance and quality in the project. Interestingly, while Panama City has an in-house CEI team, they prefer to allocate those resources to state revolving fund projects that necessitate repayment. This strategic use of external engineers allows for more flexibility in navigating the city’s financial landscape.

Funding for Disaster Recovery

The CDBG-DR funds are especially important as they are dedicated to low to moderate-income areas recovering from natural disasters. These resources are a lifeline for communities striving to rebuild and strengthen their infrastructure against future threats. In addition to the Glenwood project, Panama City is tapping into various other funding sources that complement these efforts.

For instance, the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) can provide much-needed support for local governments, enabling activities aimed at rebuilding and mitigating future disaster losses. Activities under this program include protecting or purchasing properties that have faced repetitive damage. As detailed by RebuildPC, FEMA funding for such mitigation efforts requires a cost share, which the city is strategically planning to navigate.

Broadening the Vision

The city has several ongoing projects that aim to enhance safety and resilience in the face of adverse conditions. Notable among these is the construction of safe rooms at multiple fire stations and utility facilities, as well as retrofitting existing structures to withstand severe weather. For example, the construction of a 10,400 sq. ft. safe room near the Panama City Police Department is slated for $3,632,038. This proactive approach aligns well with Panama City’s vision of not merely recovering from past disasters but fortifying against future ones.

A look at funded projects reveals a range of activities aimed at improving utility services and enhancing public safety. The Millville Wastewater Treatment Plant will be equipped with new generators, while a major lift station retrofit project has been budgeted at a staggering $24,653,489. Each project contributes to building a more resilient Panama City, ensuring it can weather the inevitable storms ahead.

The stage is set for Panama City to not only tackle its aged infrastructure but to do so with resilience in mind. With concerted efforts from local leaders, community members, and dedicated organizations, the future looks promising for Glenwood and beyond. The message is clear: rebuilding is not just about restoring what was lost; it’s about creating a stronger foundation for generations to come.

As efforts continue to reshape the landscape of Panama City, residents are encouraged to stay informed. For more details on ongoing projects and how they can get involved, visit RebuildPC and News Herald.