1. Accept Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission grant agreement No. 18102 for construction of an artificial reef in the amount of $120,000.

2. Authorize the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners to execute the grant agreement

3. Approve Budget Amendment Resolution in the amount of $120,000 for unanticipated reimbursement grant revenue and to establish a project budget in the amount of $120,000. Amend the FY 18/19 Capital Improvement Budget accordingly.

4. Authorize Natural Resources Director to execute future modifications or change orders if required, as long as they do not change the funding obligation of the County.

Division of Natural Resources has been awarded a $120,000 grant from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for the construction of an artificial reef using at least 1,000 tons of secondary concrete at Chris Koepfer’s artificial reef site. The artificial reef will create habitat for marine life and a new destination for residents, visitor anglers and scuba divers.   If approved, funds for the project will be available in the FY18/19 budget.

Natural Resources submitted a proposal to FWC’s Call for Artificial Reef Construction Grant Applications for Fiscal Year 2018-2019. The proposal was selected and awarded the total requested amount of $120,000.00. Proposal consists of deploying at least 1,000 tons of clean secondary-use concrete at an open permitted site 15 miles off the Coast of Lee County. 

Construction of artificial reefs in accordance with all regulatory conditions and the objectives of long term stable habitat creation, provide a benefit to the fisheries and various user groups, and is consistent with the Goals, Policies and Objectives of the Lee Plan.

Artificial reef construction must be completed by August 1, 2019

If grant accepted, then a construction contract will be brought back to the Board at a later date.