The Beautification Master Plan was developed with the goal of the Town becoming the most uniformly beautiful municipality in South Florida with trees being a central focus of the Plan and its recommendations. The Town values its tree canopy and natural beauty. A solicitation is available from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Florida Highway Beautification Council (FHBC) Grant Program for projects to improve urban environments along highways in the State of Florida. This Grant will advance the Town's beautification strategy by assisting us in meeting our Beautification Master Plan goal to enhance tree canopy, provide shade, and create memorable landscape aesthetics. This funding opportunity is consistent with recommendations outlined in the Town's Strategic Plan and Tree Management Plan and meets the recommendation of increasing our tree canopy and planting new trees. The Town intends to apply for monies for a tree planting, landscaping, and hardscape project. The proposal must include a Resolution from the Town Council in support of the application.

The proposed grant project scope will include enhancing the landscaping around the NW 154 Street northbound and southbound exists and improving the hardscape median area underneath the Palmetto Expressway underpass and NW 154 Street. All landscape and trees installed will be consistent with the Town's beautification plan for gateways. The median area under the underpass will be enhanced by adding red brick pavers consistent with the Town's streetscape improvements along NW 154 Street. If the Town Council approves the resolution, the Town will engage a landscape architect to develop the conceptual plans for the grant application. These plans will be shared with the Town Council once completed.

This year, $1 million has been appropriated for the FHBC Grants and $100,000 will be the maximum amount awarded to a municipality. A 50% local match requirement totaling $100,000 is available in the CIP Reserves for Parks Capital Budget. The total project cost is not to exceed $200,000.