SUBJECT
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Approve amending the Community Investment Program (CIP) for the Parks and Natural Resources CIP. Special Revenue Grant Fund CIP amendment to increase FY24/25 of the Water Resources CIP Kissimmee Watershed Project allocation by $1,000,000 and reduce the Upper Saddle Creek Water Quality Improvement project by the same amount FY24/25,CIP amendment to reallocate American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding from the Water Resources CIP Lake Lulu FY24/25 in an amount of $537,260 and increase the Peace Creek Canal project by the same amount, and Approve any modifications necessary to the land purchase agreements funding to maximize the use of ARP and any available grant funding while not exceeding Board authorized maximums. (one-time expense $1,537,260)
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DESCRIPTION
CIP #1 - Polk County was awarded, and the Board approved a State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Grant Agreement (Agreement # L0124), through the Polk Regional Water Cooperative Heartland Funding Initiative for a non-matching $1,800,000. The grant's goal is to address nutrient pollutant loads in the Headwaters of the Everglades that may be contributing to the decline in water quality within Lake Okeechobee. Prevention of new septic tanks in the contributing basins of impaired or outstanding water bodies was the priority for this project. The grant agreement enables the County to complete a full-fee acquisition within the Kissimmee Watershed / Headwaters of the Everglades of parcels on the Masterpiece UPCO/ALCOMA property, where entitlements include installation of septic tanks. An Agreement for Sale and Purchase was approved by the Board on November 5, 2024, to acquire these lands, this acquisition is scheduled to occur in the current budget year. When the grant was awarded, the timing of closing was unknown. Now that closing is scheduled the CIP amendment is required so that the funds from the grant may be applied to the acquisition occurring current year. This CIP amen...
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