SUBJECT
title
Approve Amendment #1 of the Florida Communities Trust Grant Agreement (F2407) made between Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and Polk County (County). (No fiscal impact - time extension only)
body
DESCRIPTION
Water management of the Upper Peace River is a priority for the region, and the County has looked at ways to address water quality and flood management challenges. In addition to the Peace River, there are several tributaries that have great influence on the water quality of this system. Phyllis Branch was identified as one tributary where stormwater infrastructure enhancements could have a positive effect on water quality and water management entering the Peace River. Phyllis Branch flows into Lower Saddle Creek that joins with the Peace Creek Canal to form the Peace River.
Due to the importance of enhancing water quality to the Peace River the County identified land parcels that could assist in the implementation of a water quality improvement project and provide additional community benefits. The identified parcels were submitted to the County's Environmental Lands Acquisition Program and the Citizens Land Acquisition Selection Advisory Committee (CLASAC) as well as the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) approved the project in February 2024. Once the parcels were approved for acquisition the County submitted a grant application to the FDEP Florida Communities Trust ("FCT") program in 2024.
Through agreement F2407, FDEP awarded the County $1,775,000 towards the full fee acquisition of the targeted parcels. This Amendment #1 provides a 12-month extension of the project period from August 4, 2026 to August 4, 2027.
Approval of this Amendment #1 is required, if the County wants to continue to pursue acquisition for the opportunity for water quality improvement, possible flood mitigation, protection of a wildlife corridor, recreation opportunities, a possible regional trail connection and will further assist in implementa...
Click here for full text