SUBJECT
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Approve the Defense Grant Agreement (S0326) between the Florida Department of Commerce and Florida Defense Support Commission (Commerce) and Polk County (County) (one-time revenue of $275,000).
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DESCRIPTION
Polk County is home to the Avon Park Air Force Range (APAFR). The County has been working strategically with the Department of Defense to conserve lands near the APAFR to protect portions of the Florida Wildlife Corridor and preserve uplands and wetlands that support sustainable water resources for South Florida’s agricultural operations and urban populations. These efforts also maintain wildlife corridors connecting nearby protected lands and provide economic benefits through outdoor recreation and agricultural production. To continue this successful partnership, the County applied for and was awarded a $275,000 grant from the Florida Department of Commerce to purchase conservation easements or full fee acquisitions near APAFR’s boundary.
The proposed project will address land-use compatibility issues within APAFR’s three-mile buffer zone around the perimeter or Sentinel Landscape areas used for low-level flight and night vision training. The County will work with willing sellers to acquire conservation easements or fee full properties within these priority areas.
The term of this agreement is July 1, 2026, the date the Award Letter was issued, and extends through June 30, 2028. The Commerce will reimburse the County up to $275,000.00 for land acquisition per the agreement. There is no County match requirement.
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the Defense Grant Agreement (S0326) between the Florida Department of Commerce and Florida Defense Support Commission and Polk County.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds will be budgeted and available within the Special Revenue Grant Fund to be utilized for future land acquisition within the Avon Park Air Force Range (APAFR) conservation area. (one-time revenue $275,000)
CONTACT INFORMATION
Tabitha Biehl, Director
Parks ...
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