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CBIRS Request 276
 
Community Budget Issue Requests - Tracking Id #276
Florida Keys Restoration Initiative
 
Requester: Henry Dean Organization: South Florida Water Management District
 
Project Title: Florida Keys Restoration Initiative Date Submitted 1/9/2006 11:03:11 AM
 
Sponsors: Bullard
 
Statewide Interest:
The Florida Keys are an area of critical state concern and is an ecosystem of statewide and national significance, including mainland America's only living barrier reef and the largest documented semi-contiguous seagrass bed on earth. It contains the nation's most visited national marine sanctuary and its boundaries encompass John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Florida's most visited park. All levels of government, business and community organizations are working to improve water quality in the Florida Keys, which has a favorable effect on our environment and economy.
 
Recipient: South Florida Water Mangement District   Contact: Ernie Barnett, Policy Director  
  3301 Gun Club Road   Contact Phone: (561) 951-2840  
  West Palm Beach 33406   Contact email: ebarnett@sfwmd.gov
 
Counties: Monroe
 
Gov't Entity: Yes Private Organization (Profit/Not for Profit):  
 
Project Description:
The Florida Keys Intiative was formed to define and evaluate the status of the Florida Keys ecosystem and implement actions that will improve and protect this fragile region and the water that supports it.
 
Is this a project related to a federal or state declared disaster? No
 
Measurable Outcome Anticipated:
Invasive exotic species eradication will improve Florida Keys Habitat value. Restored Florida Keys habitat will imprive overall water quality. Pollutant loading reduction to nearshore waters will improve water quality and reduce the potential number of beach closings. Desalination will be used to augment our limited water supply. Biological and water quality assessments will quantify ecosystem improvements. Xeriscape will conserve water. Environmental education will heighten public awareness of our dire need to conserve and protect our fragile water resources.
 
Amount requested from the State for this project this year: $5,000,000
 
Total cost of the project: $10,000,000
 
Request has been made to fund: Construction
 
What type of match exists for this project? Local, Private, Federal
  Cash Amount $5,000,000  
 
Was this project previously funded by the state?   Yes
  Fiscal Year: 2005-2006 Amount: $5,000,000
 
Is future-year funding likely to be requested?   Yes
  Amount: $5,000,000 To Fund: Operations, Construction
 
Was this project included in an Agency's Budget Request?   No
 
Was this project included in the Governor's Recommended Budget? No
 
Is there a documented need for this project? Yes
  Documentation: Monroe County Stormwater and Wastewater master plans, several municipal comprehensive master plans.
 
Was this project request heard before a publicly noticed meeting of a body of elected officials (municipal, county, or state)?   Yes
  Hearing Body: SFWMD Governing Board
  Hearing Meeting Date: 12/14/2005
 
Is this a water project as described in Section 403.885, Laws of Florida?   Yes
Has the project been submitted to the Department of Environmental Protection? No
Is this project eligible under section 403.885(5) F.S.? Yes
 
Is your project addressed in a state, regional or local plan (such as a SWIM plan, Comprehensive Plan, local master plan, etc.)? No
 
If you are requesting funding for a stormwater or surface water restoration project:
 
Which Water Management District has the jurisdiction of your project?
  South Florida Water Management District
Have you provided at least 50% match? Yes
  Match Amount: 5000000
  Match Source: Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority, etc.
 
Will this project reduce pollutant loadings to a water management district designated 'priority' surface water body? Yes
  Name of water body: Florida Keys
 
Describe how it will reduce loadings, identify anticipated load reductions for total suspended solids, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and other contaminants, and specify the practices that will be used to reduce loadings:
 
 
If you are requesting funding for a wastewater project:
 
Does your project qualify for funding from DEP's 'Small Community Wastewater Treatment Grant Program' under section 403.1838 F.S.? No
 
Other wastewater projects:
 
Have you received previous legislative funding for this project? Yes
List the amount and fiscal year Amount: 5000000 Fiscal Year: 2005-2006
 
Is the project under construction? Yes
 
Have you provided at least a 25% local match? Yes
  Amount: 375000 Source: Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority