Utility Extension Assistance program

Introduction

The City of Newberry Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Utility Extension Assistance Program (“Program”) is designed to incentivize new development within the district by providing funding assistance to extend utilities to redevelopment and/or infill lots.

The Program fits within the mission of the CRA, which is to bring about the economic revitalization of an established target area, to create a re-investment environment that attracts private investors into the area, to promote improvements within the redevelopment area through renovation and restoration of buildings as well as to new construction.

What is Offered

The Program reimburses 50% of the total project costs up to $18,750 to offset the costs of construction or extension of municipal water, wastewater, stormwater, or electric utility connections. Eligible costs include engineering and design fees, permitting fees, materials, and labor directly related to the utility extension.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements to be eligible to receive assistance under the Program.

1. The project must be for the construction or extension of municipal water, wastewater, stormwater, or electric utility connections.
2. The project must connect municipal utilities to a historically underserved parcel.
3. All required permits, including but not limited to those from the City of Newberry, Alachua County, FDEP, FDOT, and SRWMD, must be obtained for the project.
4. The final agreement must be approved by the Newberry CRA Board and be fully executed prior to construction of the utility extension. Exceptions to this requirement may be made during the first 180 days of the program’s operations on a case-by-case basis.
5. Non-profit entities subject to Property Tax Exemptions are not eligible for the Program.
6. Applicants must own the project property or be a registered agent for the property owner.
7. The property to be improved must be free of all municipal liens during the term of the agreement. Failure to do so may impact payment of the reimbursement award.
8. The Project must be located within the Newberry Community Redevelopment Area (see Attachment I).
9. Project costs must be a minimum of $30,000.

Procedures for Implementation

1. Pre-Application Meeting: All prospective applicants are required to meet with CRA staff prior to the submission of any funding request, to discuss the project, CRA objectives, and review the approval process.
2. Application Submission & Review Period: The applicant will then complete and submit their application and backup documents. This includes a cost estimate for installing the utility extension, as prepared by an engineer or contractor. The estimate should break down costs. For more information about required backup documents please refer to the Program Application.
3. Final Funding Request: After the required documentation has been submitted and reviewed by staff. A draft agreement, including a recommended maximum funding amount, will be presented to the CRA Board for consideration. Applicants are strongly encouraged to be present at the Board meeting and be prepared to present their development proposal. Following Board approval of the final funding request, the CRA and the applicant will execute an Agreement which will clarify the terms and conditions of the funding.
4. Start of Construction: Construction must start within the time frame specified in the Agreement. If construction does not start within the specified time frame, the Agreement and Program approval status may be terminated.
5. Site Visits: City or CRA Staff will conduct site visits before the initial reimbursement payment is made to verify that improvements are complete as presented in the approved application. Staff may also conduct unannounced periodic site visits to ensure compliance with the terms of the Agreement.
6. Payments: Subject to the terms and conditions of the Agreement, CRA funds for reimbursement shall occur only after the entire utility extension project has reached completion. The following documentation must be submitted:
   • Paid invoices
   • Copy of cleared check front and back.
7. Reporting: By accepting payment, the applicant agrees to comply with any reporting procedures deemed appropriate by CRA staff to verify that any required project timeframes included in the agreement are being adhered to, and that construction is completed as represented in the scope of improvements.

Questions About the Program?

Please direct inquiries on the Utilities Extension Assistance Program, including obtaining a complete application packet to:

CRA Coordinator
25440 W Newberry Rd.
Newberry, FL 32669

Phone: 352-472-2161 ext. 3959
Email: CRA@newberryfl.gov

Please note that the Newberry CRA is a public agency. As such, the Newberry CRA is governed by Section 119.07, et.seq., Florida Statutes, popularly known as the “Florida Public Records Law.” Any documents provided by the Applicant may be subject to production by the Newberry CRA upon receipt of a public records request, subject to any exemptions provided by Florida Law.