Okaloosa County BOCC — May 20, 2014 — Action Item Printout

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REQUEST DATE: May 20, 2014 TO: Honorable Chairman and Members of the Board FROM: Ed Schroeder SUBJECT: Snorkel Reef Permits Approval DEPARTMENT: Tourist Development Department BCC DISTRICT: ALL STATEMENT OF ISSUE: The Okaloosa County Artificial Reef Program (OCARP) has received conditional approval of permits for two artificial reef deployment areas in State waters. These permits must be approved by the Board and submitted to US Army Corp of Engineers (Corps) District Engineer for final approval. The signature by the District Engineer validates the permits. Staff requests the Board approve the permits and authorize the Chairman to sign. BACKGROUND: OCARP prepared and submitted joint permit applications for two artificial snorkel reef deployment areas, Crystal Beach and Okaloosa Island, to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and United States Army Corp of Engineers (USACE). The USACE permit approval has been received by the County and it has been conditionally approved by the USACE and now requires the signature of the Okaloosa County BCC indicating acceptance of the specific terms and conditions stated within the permit. Once the USACE receives the signed permit; then final USACE approval will be granted. OPTIONS: Approve/Disapprove RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff recommends the Board approve the permits and authorize the Chairman to sign. RECOMMENDED BY: APPROVED BY: Ernie Padgett, County Administrator