M E M O R A N D U M
To: Honorable Mayor and Town Council
From: Rafael G. Casals, Town Manager
Date: May 17, 2017
Re: The Florida Department of Environmental Protection Grant Agreement
Lakes by the Bay Canoe/Kayak Launch Project
REQUESTtitle
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF CUTLER BAY, FLORIDA, APPROVING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND THE TOWN FOR THE LAKES BY THE BAY PARK CANOE/KAYAK LAUNCH PROJECT; AUTHORIZING THE TOWN MANAGER TO EXECUTE AND IMPLEMENT THE SAME; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
Funding Source: Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Grant Program Title: 2015-16 Land and Water Conservation Fund
Town Project Title: Lakes by the Bay Canoe/Kayak Launch
Amount Awarded: $200,000 Required Match: $200,000 (cash)
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (the “Department”) receives federal financial assistance through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) from the United States Department of Interior, National Park Services for the purposes of administering LWCF funds for public outdoor recreation projects. The Land and Water Conservation Fund is a competitive reimbursement grant program that provides financial assistance for acquisition or development of land for public outdoor recreation.
In February 2016, the Department released a request for proposals for the LWCF grant program. The Town submitted a request for funding in the amount of $200,000 to support the Lakes by the Bay Canoe/Kayak Launch Project. In June 2016, the Town received notification of award in the amount of $200,000 (Attachment “A”). The Town will be required to provide a $200,000 grant match, utilizing Park Impact Fee funds.
Project Description
Funding will be used to install; (1) ADA accessible Canoe/Kayak Launch that will allow visitors to access an approximately 21.5 acre natural lake lined by mangroves that attract an array of birds including endangered species as well as migratory birds; (2) Floating Dock/Fishing Pier; (3) Pavilion with Picnic Table; (4) pervious walking path, and a new
pervious parking area that provides more convenient access to the canoe/kayak launch via additional roadways and sidewalks. Finally, the Town will install signage to educate visitors about the lake and wetland habitats.
The Town has two public schools within walking distance of the park (Whigham Elementary and Cutler Bay Senior High). Both of these schools have marine biology magnet programs and the students will be able to use the park as a learning lab to connect their school curriculum to the resources in their local community.
RECOMMENDATION
We recommend that the attached resolution be adopted authorizing the Town Manager to enter into contract negotiations and execute the agreement between the Town and The Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
ATTACHMENTS
Ø Attachment “A” - Florida Department of Environmental Protection Award Letter