Community Budget Issue Requests - Tracking Id #684FY0102

Restoration Harris Chain of Lakes

Requester:

Skip Goerner, Chair

Organization:

The Harris Chain of Lakes Restoration Council

Project Title:

Restoration Harris Chain of Lakes

Date Submitted:

1/17/2002 4:34:32 PM

Sponsors:

Anna Cowin

Statewide Interest:

Restoration of the Harris Chain of Lakes.

Recipient:

St. Johns River Water Management District

Contact:

Skip Goerner, Chair

P.O. Box 1429

Contact Phone:

(352) 360-0600

Palatka 32178-1429

Counties:

Lake

Gov't Entity:

Yes

Private Organization (Profit/Not for Profit):

Project Description:

As directed by Chapter 2001-246, Laws of Florida, the Harris Chain of Lakes Restoration Council has met and considered the further needs of the Harris Chain of Lakes, in addition to the activities of the agencies currently involved.� The current restoration activities are longer term in nature and deal with controlling and removing sources of pollution, removing rough fish, restoring beneficial vegetation, and developing a new management program to allow the lake levels to flucutate within a broader range. �The Lake County Water Authority, with the assistance of other agencies, including the St. Johns River Water Management District and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, are currently evaluating the costs and methods to deepen canals leading to the lakes to provide access during lower water levels.� Additional engineering feasibility, design and demonstration are needed, such as evaluating needs of lakeshore property owners whose access may be affected by restoration activities.� The estimated cost for this additional work is $500,000.� The Harris Chain of Lakes Restoration Council anticipates presenting a broader plan and funding request for actions in this basin next November as required by Chapter 2001-246, LOF.

Measurable Outcome Anticipated:

The Council and their Technical Advisory Committee have focused their actions on improving the sport fishery and other recreational and economic benefits.� It is the council's conclusion that the resulting economic benefits will complement existing restoration efforts and that these benefits can be achieved in the next three to five years.� It is likely that temporarily lowering the lake level will be required to achieve these additional benefits.� As a result, lake front property owners, and those on canals may see water levels that temporarily inhibit their access to the lakes.� Dredging will provide improved boating access and public support.

Amount requested from the State for this project this year:

$500,000

Total cost of the project:

$500,000

Request has been made to fund:

Construction

What type of match exists for this project?

None

Was this project previously funded by the State?

Yes

Fiscal Year:

2001-2002

Amount:

$100,000

Is future-year funding likely to be requested?

Unknown

Was this project included in an Agency's Budget Request?

Yes

Agency:

Environmental Protection, Department Of

Was this project included in the Governor's Recommended Budget?

Yes

Is there a documented need for this project?

Yes

Documentation:

SWIM Plan

Was this project request heard before a publicly noticed meeting of a body of elected officials (municipal, county, or state)?

Yes

Hearing Body:

The Harris Chain of Lakes Restoration Council

Meeting Date:

1/4/2002