SUBJECT
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Approve Standard Grant Agreement No. QG010 between Polk County and State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to fund the Wilson Ranch Reserve Hydrological Restoration Project. (one-time revenue $7,500,000)
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DESCRIPTION
In 2023, the County approved a comprehensive services agreement (CSA) #2023-059 with HGS, LLC d/b/a RES ENVIRONMENTAL OPERATING COMPANY (“RES”), to design and construct a proposed regional water quality treatment and wetland restoration project located where Saddle Creek and Peace Creek converge to form the headwaters of the Peace River (the “Project”). Once the Project is constructed, RES will monitor the pollutant loads, floodplain restoration levels, and exotic vegetation thresholds to ensure the Project has achieved desired water quality benefits. At the conclusion of a 25-year management period, RES will convey fee simple title for the Property and Project improvements to the County.
The CSA requires the County and RES to work together to secure State funding to fund the Project. Therefore, the County applied to the FDEP Water Quality Improvement Grant program in September 2023, requesting funds in the amount of $7,500,000.00 with no match required. In the spring of 2024, FDEP notified the County that it was awarded the full funding requested.
Approval of this grant agreement allows Polk County to begin implementing the scope outlined in the FDEP grant. The major tasks for this grant agreement are to complete preconstruction work and initiate construction activities. Through CSA 2023-059 County will work closely with RES to execute the tasks of the FDEP grant #QC010 for $7,500,000. There is no match requirement. The County will be reimbursed upon successful completion of the grant tasks.
The project has been approved by STAC.
RECOMMENDATION
Approve Standard Grant Agreement No. QG010 between Polk County and State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to fund the Wilson Ranch Reserve Hydrological Restoration Project. (one-time revenue $7,500,000)
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds are budgeted in the Special Revenue Grant Fund within the Parks and Natural Resources five-year CIP.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Tabitha Biehl, Land and Water Natural Areas Manager
Parks and Natural Resources Division
(863) 534-7377
tabithabiehl@polk-county.net <mailto:tabithabiehl@polk-county.net>
Gaye Sharpe, Director
Parks and Natural Resources Division
(863) 534-7377
gayesharpe@polk-county.net <mailto:gayesharpe@polk-county.net>