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Amendment No. 4 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 and Associated Budget Resolution
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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 $122,000 with a 25% grant match.
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 as well as in the permitting process resulted in additional time needed to complete the design and construction of the improvements. Amendments 1, 2, and 3 were submitted to the Board extending the time for completion to March 31, 2023. Amendment 4 has been prepared by FWC for Grant Agreement No. 18075 and will extend the completion date to March 31, 2025. All permits have been issued and FWC has approved the construction plans.
Staff recommends that the Board approve Project Grant Agreement No. 18075 Amendment No. 4 with FWC and authorize the Chairman’s signature thereon.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Funding in attached budget resolution is adjusted for remaining grant balances and carried forward from FY23 in Expense Account No. 1051-37201-5606378 of $39,822 and Revenue Account No. 1051-37201-3347201-$42,150 and 1051-37201-3999078-$15,081.
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 Chairperson’s signature on the attached Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Amendment No. 4, FWC Contract No. 18075-A4 and attached associated budget resolution.