SUBJECT
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Approve Florida Defense Support Commission and Department of Commerce Defense Grant Agreement # S0253 to pursue less than fee acquisition with willing sellers in the Sentinel Landscape. (one-time revenue $500,000)
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DESCRIPTION
The Florida Defense Support Commission and Department of Commerce has awarded Polk County $500,000 for acquisition of development rights within the Sentinel Landscape to secure the economic sustainability for the State of Florida, and secure operations for Department of Defense. Federal military bases are recognized for their value to Florida to the associated communities. The Avon Park Air Force Range is an economic driver for the rural communities of Central Florida that is serves.
Furthermore, Polk County has an environmental lands program to acquire conservation lands and create wildlife corridors. This $500,000 grant will be used by Polk County to work with willing sellers. This funding will be used in the Avon Park Air Force Range Sentinel Landscape to further support acquisition of properties in connection with the Readiness and Environmental Protection Initiative (REPI), which supports cost-sharing partnerships with military services (installations).
The concept is to use the funding from the different sources to be able to acquire military encroachment/conservation easements within the project area. Once landowner and County agree upon contract terms and funding is available, an Agreement for Sale and Purchase of less-then fee will be brought back to the Board for consideration.
This funding is budgeted for and are available in the Environmental Lands Program Kissimmee Corridor Projects CIP project. This funding will be used to acquire projects evaluated by Citizen Land Acquisition Selection Advisory Committee (CLASAC) and recommend by the Board to pursue acquisition.
RECOMMENDATION
Approve Florida Defense Support Commission and Department of Commerce Defense Grant Agreement # S0253 for $500,000.00 to pursue ...
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