|
Back to Calendar
Return
|
| |
County Administrator's Report 12. 11.
|
| BCC Regular Meeting |
Budget & Finance Consent |
|
|
|
| RECOMMENDATION: |
Recommendation Concerning the Acquisition of the Tugboat "Ocean Wind" for Deployment as an Artificial Reef - Keith T. Wilkins, Community & Environment Department Director
That the Board approve the sole source acquisition of the Tugboat "Ocean Wind" from Ocean Transport Corporation, not to exceed $45,000, for deployment as an artificial reef contingent upon the Award Letter or draft of the Grant Agreement, from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), indicating conceptual approval of Grant Application.
[Funding: Fund 108, Tourist Promotion, Cost Center 220805 and/or Fund 352, LOST III, Cost Center 220102, NESD Capital Projects] |
| BACKGROUND: |
On October 9, 2014, the Board approved the Grant Application to FWC for construction of an artificial reef via deployment of tug boat "Ocean Wind". The Grant Application was submitted and FWC will rank the grants and notify recipients via Award Letter. The "Ocean Wind" vessel owner's (Ocean Transport Corporation) offer expires on January 31, 2015, therefore, acquisition approval will expedite the process to meet the timeline.
The Escambia County Marine Resources Division and Escambia County Marine Advisory Committee have been seeking to deploy additional vessels for artificial reefs since the reefing of the decommissioned aircraft carrier USS Oriskany in 2006. Funding sources for artificial reef construction are typically limited to Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission Grants-in-Aid, public donations into the Escambia County Aquatic Resources Stewardship Endowment Fund, Local Option Sales Tax, and Tourism Development Tax.
On September 4, 2014, several members of the public spoke in favor of acquiring the tugboat "Ocean Wind" for reefing. The discussion also included an upcoming grant opportunity through FWC. The Board's direction acknowledged that any funding for the project would need to be through grants and/or other sources.
The estimated cost for this project is $130,000 with up to $100,000 from FWC and up to $35,000 match from the County. Additional funding of at least $15,000 has been pledged by dive shops, divers, and other reef stakeholders. In the event the "Ocean Wind" becomes unavailable for reefing, Escambia County Marine Resources Division will utilize alternative materials, including concrete, as approved by FWC. |
| BUDGETARY IMPACT: |
The estimated cost for this project is $130,000 with up to $100,000 from FWC and up to $35,000 match from the County. This match will come from Fund 108, Tourist Promotion, Cost Center 220805 and/or Fund 352, LOST III, Cost Center 220102, NESD Capital Projects.
Additional funds have been raised through a public stakeholder initiative. As of September 2014, approximately $15,000 has been pledged. These funds would be used for contingencies or supplemental reef materials.
|
| LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS/SIGN-OFF: |
| N/A |
| PERSONNEL: |
| N/A |
| POLICY/REQUIREMENT FOR BOARD ACTION: |
| Board Policy Section II.A., requires approval of grants. While this action is not directly related to a grant, the acquisition is tied to an anticipated FWC grant award. |
| IMPLEMENTATION/COORDINATION: |
| The Community & Environment Department, Marine Resources Division, will manage the acquisition and anticipated grant. |
|
|
|
|