Subject:
Title
Sovereign Submerge Lands Easement (SSL) for the Titusville Causeway Multi-Trophic Shoreline Restoration and Resiliency Action Project - District 1.
End
Fiscal Impact:
None
Dept/Office:
Natural Resources Management
Requested Action:
Recommendation
It is requested that the Board of County Commissioners approve the Sovereign Submerged Lands Easement and authorize the Chairman to execute the original easement upon Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s approval.
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Summary Explanation and Background:
The Board of County Commissioners, in regular session on July 25, 2023, approved the execution of cost-share agreements, solicitation of bids and execution of contracts to facilitate the construction of an innovative nearshore breakwater reef, living shoreline, seagrass plantings, and clam seeding in the lee of the breakwater, to protect the Titusville Causeway right-of-way and improve water quality on the southeast side of the Titusville Causeway.
The south side of the Titusville Causeway has experienced frequent erosion of the shoreline jeopardizing the road, local wildlife and recreational use of the area. This project will showcase the use of Wave Attenuation Devices (WADs) to reduce the wind-generated wave action that is affecting the shoreline. To obtain authorization for the installation of the WADs, the St Johns Water Management District (SJRWMD) issued a Consolidated Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) Number 1711984-3 on June 13, 2024. This permit includes a six (6) acre easement that authorizes the County’s use of state-owned Sovereign Submerge Lands (SSL) in the Indian River at the Titusville Causeway project site. The easement is located at Township 21 South, Range 35 East, Sections 35. The easement that depicts the sketch and description is attached.
The project encompasses a total of twenty acres, and it is under construction. The estimated completion date is June 27, 2025. The project construction is fully funded with monies from the Tourist Development Council ($500,000), SJRWMD Cost-Share Agreement Number 39253 ($1,265,241), the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Resilient Florida Program ($2,310,856), the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida ($525,000), and Florida Power and Light Environmental Services ($25,000).
Clerk to the Board Instructions:
Forward Clerk memo to NRM.