Title:
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Request Board approval to submit grant applications to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) for the Innovative Technologies for Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) Grant Program requesting up to $2,750,000 for the Sweetwater Creek-Wekiva Connected Watershed Demonstration Corridor; and authorize the County Manager or designee to execute all necessary grant application documents. District3 - Constantine (Kim Ornberg, Environmental Services Director)
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Division:
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Environmental Services Watershed Management
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Authorized By:
Kim Ornberg, Environmental Services Director
Contact/Phone Number:
Shannon Wetzel/407-665-2455
Background:
The pilot project within the Wekiva Priority Focus Area proposes a watershed-scale strategy to reduce nutrient loading and improve water quality throughout the Sweetwater Creek watershed prior to discharge into the Wekiva River system. Using the County’s existing stormwater infrastructure, including conveyances, inlets, ponds, hydraulic control structures, and stream corridors, the project will integrate innovative treatment technologies with traditional best management practices at prioritized locations. Innovative technologies include the use of polymer enhanced carbon absorption media. The project will demonstrate a comprehensive source-to-receiving-water management approach that integrates passive stormwater treatment and pollutant interception. Three potential funding options will be proposed, contingent on the availability of FDEP support. This project directly supports implementation objectives identified by FDEP in both the Wekiva River and Wekiwa Springs Basin Management Action Plans while demonstrating a scalable watershed restoration model for future County initiatives. There is no funding match (cost share) requirement from the County.
Requested Action:
Staff requests Board approval to submit grant applications to the FDEP for the Innovative Technologies for HABs Grant Program requesting up to $2,750,000 for the Sweetwater Creek-Wekiva Connected Watershed Demonstration Corridor; and authorize the County Manager or designee to execute all necessary grant application documents.