Subject:
Title
Request the Board approve sending a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on behalf of the Board of Commissioners requesting a grant for a Feasibility Study re: restoration of natural water flow and wetlands at Kennedy Space Center (KSC)
End
Fiscal Impact:
n/a
Dept/Office:
District 1 for Economic Development Commission
Requested Action:
Recommendation
Request the Board approve sending a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on behalf of the Board of Commissioners requesting a grant for a Feasibility Study.
End
Summary Explanation and Background:
The (non-federal sponsor(s)) and related stakeholders are requesting a Feasibility Study to show how restoration of natural water flow and wetlands at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) - not dissimilar to environmental restoration being carried out in the Florida Everglades - can improve water flow and natural wetland connects to improve the overall health of the IRL.
Federal construction at Kennedy Space Center has altered natural water flow, water connections and wetlands between Mosquito Lagoon, Banana River, and the Indian River Lagoon. Infrastructure improvements, including reimagined east-west transportation corridors, a new 21st century wastewater treatment facility serving KSC and the City of Titusville, FL, and environmental restoration at KSC can mitigate some of those federal impacts.
Indian River Lagoon harmful algal blooms are driven by nutrients, temperature, salinity, changes in light, long water residence time, and shifts in climate. We can mitigate for two factors: nutrient loads from all sources and restoration of internal natural flow at KSC.
The purpose of the feasibility study would be to evaluate and optimize new and modern infrastructure to build coastal resilience into KSC infrastructure and a new wastewater treatment facility, east-west transportation corridors and improve water flow and natural wetland connections between Mosquito Lagoon, Banana River, and Indian River Lagoon.
Clerk to the Board Instructions:
Please return copy of signed letter to Brian Baluta, EDC Director of Communications and Partner Relations Riverview Tower - Suntree Blvd. & U.S. 1, 6525 3rd Street, Suite 304
Rockledge, FL 32955