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Amendment No. 2 to Grant Agreement With Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for Florida Boating Improvement Program Grant Funding for Improvements at Lake Townsen Park Boat Ramp
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BRIEF OVERVIEW
On March 27, 2018, the Board approved Resolution 2018-32 supporting the Waterways Division Application to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for funds in the Fiscal Year 2019 and 2020 budgets to complete improvements to the Lake Townsen Park boat ramp, located on the Withlacoochee River. The grant award was approved and executed April 26, 2019. The total grant award is $91,500 with the County to contribute any required funding above this.
The Lake Townsen Park boat ramp provides regional access to the Withlacoochee River and is the primary access to the river for boaters and fisherman that launch medium to large size shallow draft boats. Improvements are needed to Lake Townsen Park boat ramp to enable year-round use and to improve launching accessibility. The gravel ramp and parking are frequently eroded during rain events. Residents launching their boats have difficultly due to rutting. Currently, there are no boarding docks in place to provide a stable platform for passengers to board their vessels and to secure their vessels while parking their vehicle and boat trailer.
Delays in the early stages of the grant agreement resulted in additional time needed to complete the design and construction of the improvements. Amendment 1 was submitted to the Board extending the time for completion to March 31, 2022. In January, FWC was notified, and an additional time extension would be needed due to unforeseen delays in the permitting process. Amendment 2 has been prepared by FWC to reinstate Grant Agreement #18075 and extend the completion date to March 31, 2023.
Staff recommends that the Board approve Project Grant Agreement No. 18075 Amendment No. 2 with FWC and authorize the Chairman’s signature thereon.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Board action is only to extend the grant agreement; funding is already budgeted at $65,042.00 through the Florida Boating Improvement Program Fund Account No. 1051-04571-5606378.
LEGAL NOTE
The Board is authorized to act upon this matter pursuant to Chapter 125, Florida Statutes.
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended the Board approve and authorize the Chairman’s signature on the attached State of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Amendment No. 2, FWC Contract No. 18075-A2.