SUBJECT
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Approve State Wildlife Grant Funding Agreement No. 23044 with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to co-fund the Peace River Streambank Restoration project near Bowling Green (one-time revenue $162,500 and a required match of $87,500).
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DESCRIPTION
The Peace River flows south from its headwaters in Polk County to Charlotte Harbor, Florida's second largest open water estuary. Water quality in the Peace River has declined in many sections of the river due to impacts such as urbanization, mining, agriculture, and habitat degradation. As a result, several sections of the river in Polk County have been labeled as "impaired" by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Through partnerships and creative projects, progress has been made to improve the water quality of this regionally important resource.
The goal of the project is to improve the water quality, aquatic habitat, and stabilize a quickly eroding streambank of the Peace River located on a County owned environmental lands site by restoring a degraded streambank and floodplain. The eroding streambank is releasing significant amounts of sediment and associated nutrients into the river. Additionally, by restoring the site, we will be creating new wetland areas that will help reduce nutrient pollution. This project demonstrates steps being taken to meet requirements addressing impaired waters of the Peace River.
The Peace River Streambank Restoration project consists of design, permitting, and restoration of the site. Based on other projects completed in central Florida, the project should help the river meet water quality standards and was approved by County Stormwater Technical Advisory Committee (STAC).
The project is in the Community Investment Program (CIP) and FWC contribution is to be matched by the County's Stormwater Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU).
The FWC has agreed to fund 65% ($162,500) of the project with a 35% ($87,500) match from the Coun...
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