Okaloosa County BOCC — March 17, 2015 — FY15 - 16 FWC Grant Application — agenda request

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REQUEST DATE: March 17, 2015 TO: Honorable Chairman and Members of the Board FROM: Ed Schroeder SUBJECT: FY15 - 16 FWC Grant Application DEPARTMENT: Tourist Development Department BCC DISTRICT: ALL STATEMENT OF ISSUE: Request approval to submit 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 are due March 20. This item will be presented to the TDC for informational purposes at its March 26 meeting. OPTIONS: Approve or Disapprove RECOMMENDATION: Request approval to submit an application in the amount of $60,000 for the 2015-2016 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Artificial Reef Construction Grant, authorize the Chairman to sign as the County’s representative the application, grant agreement if awarded, and other grant documents as may be required during the term of the grant, and authorize Contracts & Grants to submit the application, grant agreement if awarded, and other grant documents as may be required during the term of the grant. RECOMMENDED BY: APPROVED BY: John Hofstad, County Administrator