Subject:
Title
Permission to Accept a Grant from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Matching Fund Donations for Artificial Reef Construction
End
Fiscal Impact:
FY 20/21 - $60,000 in Grant Funds and $6,000 in donations used as local match for the grant. Funds 1700 (grants) and 0032 (Beaches, Boating and Waterways), respectively.
FY 21/22 - No Fiscal Impact.
Dept/Office:
Natural Resources Management Department (NRM)
Requested Action:
Recommendation
It is requested that the Board: 1) Authorize the Chair to execute an Artificial Reef Construction Grant Agreement between Brevard County and FWC; 2) Accept matching fund donations; 3) Authorize staff to competitively bid and the County Manager to execute a construction contract with the lowest responsive and qualified bidder; and 4) authorize associated Budget Change Requests.
End
Summary Explanation and Background:
The Brevard County Boating & Waterways Program is actively pursuing funding to deploy artificial reef material at the County permitted Brevard County Artificial Reef Site 2. Artificial reefs link ecological, recreational and economic objectives. By developing a well-managed artificial reef site, the County seeks to increase viable habitat for key recreational and commercial fish species along Florida's Central Atlantic coast. It has been shown that well managed artificial reef sites can be a driving factor for recreational and commercial fishing as well as diving. Regional growth in recreational and commercial use directly increases expenditures at regional waterfront businesses such as bait shops, fishing and diving charters/businesses, and boat rental/sales locations, thus motivating the economy of the associated shoreline community and the region.
The permitted Brevard County reef site is located approximately 15.5 nautical miles due east of Port Canaveral. Site depths range from 76 ft. to 88 ft. This 3085-acre site was selected due to its lack of hard bottom features and...
Click here for full text