Subject:
Title
Funding agreement with the Tampa Bay Estuary Program to provide British Petroleum Economic Settlement Funds for hard bottom mapping and characterization within the Tampa Bay watershed.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the Funding Agreement with the Tampa Bay Estuary Program (TBEP) to provide British Petroleum (BP) funds for hard bottom mapping and characterization within the Tampa Bay watershed.
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Strategic Plan:
Practice Superior Environmental Stewardship
3.2 Preserve and manage environmental lands, beaches, parks, and historical assets
3.3 Protect and improve the quality of our water, air, and other natural resources
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.1 Maximize partner relationships and public outreach
Summary:
In accordance with the Board’s approval of BP projects and associated funding for each project on December 13, 2016, this funding agreement with TBEP will provide $100,000.00 for hard and live bottom mapping and characterization within the Tampa Bay watershed.
Background/Explanation:
The TBEP, in partnership with the Southwest Florida Water Management District, has initiated research to identify important hard bottom and live bottom habitats within Tampa Bay. These hard and live bottom habitats represent unique and diverse biological communities and oftentimes provide vital habitat for commercially and recreationally important fisheries.
Based on recent information gathered from Tampa Bay Habitat Restoration Partnership Working Group meetings, hard and live bottom habitats most likely occur within the County aquatic preserve, particularly in middle to lower Tampa Bay and Boca Ciega Bay. The understanding of the distribution of these habitats within Tampa Bay is paramount to develop future habitat protection and restoration strategies.
Fiscal Impact:
This Funding Agreement provides $100,000.00 in funding from the $7.1 million BP Economic Settlement Funds. The funding has been appropriated for this purpose in the Fiscal Year 2017 Budget. The total project cost is for an amount not to exceed $100,000.00.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this Interlocal Agreement is granted under Resolution No. 16-90 adopted on December 13, 2016.
Staff Member Responsible:
Rahim Harji, P.E., Director of Public Works
Partners:
TBEP
Attachments:
Interlocal Agreement