Okaloosa County BOCC — March 26, 2015 — II.g. FWC FY15-16 Reef Grant Application

TOURIST DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM DATE: March 26, 2015 TO: Tourist Development Council FROM: Ed Schroeder, Tourist Development Department Director Jim Trifilio, Coastal Management Coordinator SUBJECT: FWC FY15-16 Artificial Reef Construction Grant STATEMENT OF ISSUE: Advising the TDC of the submission of an application in the amount of $60,000 for the 2015-2016 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Artificial Reef Construction Grant. BACKGROUND: An estimated $600,000 has been allocated for fiscal year 2015-2016 for the construction and monitoring of artificial reefs, with each grant award capped at $60,000 and no matching funds required. The County has determined that constructing artificial reefs will promote tourism by offering diving, snorkeling, and fishing activities. If the County is awarded this grant, the funds will be used to create public, artificial reefs within State waters in Fish Haven 13. Applications were due March 20. This item was presented to the BCC for approval at its March 17 meeting. Note: due to document size, attachments are not included but can be viewed at the Tourist Development office. OPTIONS: N/A RECOMMENDATION TO BCC: N/A; for informational purposes only.