Item N7BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Meeting Date-, March 20, 2013
Bulk Item: Yes x No
Division:
Department: ... OMB
Staff Contact /Phone #: Lisa Tenn son_ x 4444
.............
AGENDA ITEM WORDING: Ratification of submissions to DEP for RESTORE Act federal council
funding for wastewater, canal restoration and storm water projects.
. ..... . . . . . . . .
ITEM BACKGROUND: These applications are required by the State as part of its process for compiling
projects throughout the State to send up to the RESTORE Act Federal Council for Ending from the
"federal pot."
Mimi' Drew, Governor Scott's representative on the Federal Council, gave a presentation to the Gulf
Consortium on February 28, 2013, informing those in attendance of the following process for federal
funding: The Governor's office tasked DEP with developing a list of water quality projects throughout the
State. DEP is soliciting project applications, will vet project applications, and will develop a list of
recommended projects which it will then give to the Governor. The Governor Will submit this list of
projects to the Federal Council, The Federal Council will make determinations "Ions about which proj ects from
*f
each state are included in its Federal plan.
The DEP submission process is open to all parties and projects (though water quality is its focus.) We
also leamedinformally that DEP was seeking to receive submissions by March 13, 2013 (which is before
the next BOCC meeting.)
Given the timeframe, staff*Immediately began developing two submissions for the County's water
quality projects: (1) wastewater and (2) canal restoration and storm water. These projects meet the criteria
set forth in the RESTORE Act legislation and are consistent with DEP's project priority areas.
Additionally, their competitiveness is enhanced by other factors including being rooted in science and in
the environment, having significant water quality 'impacts, being new and shovel ready, and having match
components.
PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION: BOCC approved Resolution 094-2013 establishing the
Monroe County Local RESTORE Act Committee.
CONTRACT/AGREEMENT CHANGES: NA
STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: Approval
TOTAL COST:
_150M for WW,-$25M for Cana ls/Stormwater INDIRECT COST:
]BUDGETED: Yes No DIFFERENTIAL OF LOCAL PREFERENCE:
COST TO COUNTY:
SOURCE OF FUNDS: RESTORE Act (Federal)
REVENUE PRODUCING: Yes No AMOUNT PER MONTH Year
MB/Purchasing Risk Management
APPROVED BY: County Atv
4
DOCUMENTATION, Included Not Required
DISPOSITION: AGENDA TTEM#
Revised 7/09
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FLORIDA GULF OF MEXICO RESTORATION
PROJECT SUBMITTAL FORM
Form Purpose and instructions:
m Toassist the project propoS@|andrevevvprOoess,p|e@SeCo[npletethis5ubnmht8|FO[n1. Completion of
the Form will contribute to the appropriate information being completely and accurately submitted for
each project.
w Take as much space as needed for each question, but please keep responses as focused as possible. It
may assist you to review all the questions before addressing any one question.
m Please submit one Form per project, ifyouhavennultip|ep 'ects please submit one Form for each
pnqect.
m Please submit completed Forms to . Once your Form is
successfully submitted, you will receive a confirmation email from the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection.
Pro�ctName:
Contact Information (Include at least one name, phone number, email address, and organization name if applicable):
Project Location (Include a map, if possible, and the city, county, longitudellatitude, and watershed):
Project Description (Describe all aspects of the project):
Estimated Project Costs (Describe the estimated costs of the project, including any assumptions for contingency and
ongoing opera tio ns/main tenance. Identify other securedfunding sources such as matching funds, in -kind contributions or
statelfederal dollars. In addition, if possible, complete and submit the Cost Appendix Sheet associated with this Form):
Other Funding (Indicate if the project is submittedfor any po ten tial funding or if it may be used to leverage additional
funding, if so please describe the funding source [e.g. State/Federal Grants]):
Technical Feasibility (Describe the technologies involved and any relevant post experience or proven success with similar
projects):
Environmental Benefits (Describe the nature,, magnitude, and timing of any environmental benefits attributable to the
project. If possible, describe potential environmental performance measures [e.g. pollutant reduction]. Please address
any potential environmental impacts associated with implementing or maintaining the project [e.g. loss of a habitat or
conversion of habitatfrom one type to another during implementation
D
Economic and Social Benefits (Describe the economic and social benefits including those related to the project"s improved:,
ecosystem services and any estimates on jobs created or preserved):
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -, . . . . . . . . . -- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . % . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Community Resilience (Describe if the project assists Florida's ability to anticipate, withstand, or recoverfrom hazards or
threats [e.g. hurricane preparedness, establishing living shorelinesD:
Conflicts or Complements to Existing Efforts (Describe any ongoing activities in the project implementation area, if the
project is part of another plan, and why the project does or does not interfere with that work. Please consider how the
project may complement existing local, regional, and state effortslplanslobjectives):
...:&I— 1--.J — I t"46—A.— I ---I ---I a Ir-h
I I I F I f_f %,P r 4� A %A I ?J I t, -V
Readiness for Implementation (Describe if the project has had any design or permitting work started or completed
[attach permits or design work]. Please address any issues that may delay start orfinish of the project):
Public Acceptance (Describe any known or potential public approval or opposition to the project):
Additional Information you wish to provide (Please include any maps, designs, drawings, photos, or background
resources that may assist in completely and accurately understanding the project):
............ ...... .................. ...... ............ ........ ...... .......
Cost Appendix Sheet I
Cost Item
Cost Estimate
Planning
Contracts
Feasibility
Engineering, Design, Land Rights, & Bid Prep
Restoration Plan
Site Visits & Cost of Site Selection
Administration, Overhead, and Indirect
Other
Planning Subtotal:
MOO
Construction
Contracts
Administration & Mobilization/Demobilization
Other
Construction Subtotal:,
$0.00
Monitoring
Contracts
Data Collection
Monitoring Administration
Other
Monitoring Subtotal: $0.00
. . . . ....... ......................
Project Cost
Supervision
Subtotal:
$0.00
Contingency
TOTAL:
$
Estimated Costs by Year
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Year 6
Ja n u a r Y '29, `2 0 13
Dear Stakeholders:
On behalf of the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (Council), I am pleased to
present ThePath Forward to Restoring the Gtit(Coavi: A Proposed Comprehensive flan.
This document reflects the deliberations of the Council to date in developing a more detailed
initial Comprehensive Plan. Our collective focus is on how to ensure the long-term health,
prosperity, and resilience of the Gulf Coast. I'm confident that we can do this in a way that
restores the environ-ment., reinvigorates local. economies, and creates jobs in Alabama, Florida,
Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.
The Council recognizes this unique and unprecedented opportunity to implement a
coordinated Gulf Coast region -wide restoration effort. We are committed to developing a plan in
collaboration with the people w1io live and work in the Gulf Coast region, As we begin to
develop a Comprehensive Plan, eve Zvi ll provide robust opportunities for public engagen'lent so
that we hear from people across the region, I hope that you will join us and offer your ideas,
commitment, and passion to this important effort.
Sincerely,
J.
Rebecca M. Blan-k
Chair
Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council
THE PATH FORWARD TO RESTORING THE GULF COAST;
A PROPOSED COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The Gulf Coast region is vital to our Nation and our economy, providing valuable energy
resources, abundant seafood, extraordinary beaches and recreational activities, and a rich
cultural heritage. Its waters and coasts are home to one of the most diverse environments
in the world — including over 15,000 species of sea life. over twenty-two million
Americans live in Gulf coastal counties — working in crucial U.S. industries like
commercial seafood, shipping, tourism, and oil and gas production. The region also
boasts ten of America's fifteen largest ports allowing for nearly a trillion dollars in trade
each year. Despite the tremendous importance of the Gulf Coast region, the ecological
health of the region has been significantly impacted. The Gulf Coast States have
experienced loss of critical wetland habitats, erosion of barrier islands, imperiled fisheries,
water duality degradation, and significant coastal land loss due to the alteration of
hydrology and other human activities. Amplifying these issues, the Gulf Coast region
has endured significant natural and man-made catastrophes in the last decade, including
major hurricanes such as Katrina, Rita, Gustav, and Ike, and the Deepwater Horizon oil
spill.
Building on prior efforts to help
ensure the long-term restoration
and recovery of the Gulf Coast
region, the Resources and
Ecosystems Sustainability,
Tourist opportunities, and
Revived Economies of the Gulf
Coast States Act of 2012, or the
RESTORE Act, was passed by
Congress on June 29, 2012, and
signed into law by President
Obama on July 6, 2012. The
RESTORE Act provides for
planning and resources for a
regional approach to the long-
term health of the valuable
natural ecosystems and economy
of the Gulf Coast region. The
RESTORE Act dedicates 80
percent of any civil and
Ar/f, divided among the States 2.s
according to a for rrlula to to
implement State expenditure SO
plans, which require approval pr
by the Council
'
k �
pro
'Y + interest provided to NO AA for a
onitofing, ubservabon,
ence and technology
2.5% + interest ailocatec
to the States for Centers`
of Excellence
35% equally divided among
the €ive States for ecological
restoration, economic
development, and tourt"Sm
prvrnotion
administrative penalties paid under
the Clean Water Act, after the date Figure l: Allocation of RESTORE Act Funds,
of enactment, by responsible
parties in connection with the Deepwater Horizon oil spill to the Gulf Coast .Restoration
Trust Fund (the Trust Fund) for ecosystem restoration, economic recovery, and tourism
promotion in the Gulf Coast region (see Figure 1). Due to uncertainty around a variety of
factors associated with ongoing litigation, the ultimate amount of administrative and civil
iO'A + interest managed by the
Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration
Council for ecosystem reAtoration
under the Comprehensive Dian
GULF COAST ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION COUNCIL
I
penalties that may be available to the Trust Fund and the timing of their availability are
currently unknown. However, on January 3, 2013, the United States announced, that
Transocean Deepwater Inc. and related entities have agreed to pay $1 billion in civil
penalties for violating the Clean Water Act in relation to their conduct in the Dee) ter
r -wa e
Horizon oil spill. If that settlement is approved by the court, 80 percent of the civil
penalty payments will be directed to the Trust Fund. In addition., the United States
continues to seek additional civil penalties from BP Exploration and Production Inc. and
Anadarko Petroleum, Corporation, which may also provide funds for the Trust Fund.
In addition. to establishing the Trust Fund, the RESTORE Act establishes the Gulf Coast
Ecosystem Restoration Counci.1 (the Council.) to help restore the ecosystem and economy
of the Gulf Coast region by developing and overseeing implementation of a
Comprehensive -Plan and carrying out other responsibilities. The Council is chaired by
the Secretary of Commerce and includes the Governors of the States of Alabama, Florida,
-Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas and the Secretaries of the U.S. Departments of
Agriculture, Anny, Homeland Security and the Interior, and the Administrator of the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency. The Council. has oversight over the expenditure of
sixty percent of the funds made available from the Trust Fund. Thirty percent will be
administered for restoration and protection according to the Comprehensive Plan
developed by the Council. The other thirty percent will be allocated to the States
according to a fonnula set forth in the RESTORE Act and spent according to individual
State expenditure plans to contribute the overall economic and ecological recovery of the
Gulf. These State expenditure plans will be consistent with the goals and objectives of
the Comprehensive Plan and are subject to the Council's approval. The Council will
oversee and implement this funding with the goal of a coordinated .Federal, State, and
local. long-term recovery approach.
The Council recognizes this unique and unprecedented opportunity to implement a
coordinated Gulf region -wide restoration effort in a way that restores and protects the
GLIlf Coast environment, reinvigorates local economies, and creates jobs in the Gulf
Coast region. Ultimately, the Council aims to ensure the long-ten-n environmental health
and economic prosperity of the Gulf Coast region.
This document, The Path Forward to .Restoring the Guy f Coast (Path Forward) reflects
the deliberations of the Council to date in developing a more detailed initial
Comprehensive Plan by LLil�
y1_20 1.13. It fulfills the requirement of the RESTORE Act to
publish a "Proposed Comprehensive Plan" no later than 180 days after the date of its
enactment. The Council is in. an early stage of plan development and intends to release a
draft plan for public comment in Spring 20.1.3, as discussed in more detail below.
Although this Path For vt,,ard does not identify specific projects and programs that
potentially will be included in the initial Comprehensive .Plan, it incorporates thefindings
and recommendations of the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force (the Task
Force), describes how the Council will build on this work, and articulates the Council's
path to collaboratively develop an initial Comprehensive Plan — a path that includes
opportunities for the public to inform the Council. s decision -making.
GULF COASI" ECOSYS"FEM RES"MRATION COUNCH,
Building a .Foundation for Gulf regional Reworation
In the weeks after the Deep-vtjater .Hori.,.7 ors oil. spill, .President Obanna appointed Secretary
of the Navy Ray tabus to develop a recovery plan that focused on the economy, the
environment, and the health of the people of the Gulf Coast region. Secretary Nlabus
spent countless hours with total residents, businesses, and elected officials to develop a
framework for tong -terra recovery. A key recommendation of Secretary Nlabus was the
establishment of a Congressionally -mandated .inter. jurisdictional governance structure to
oversee and implement restoration in the Gulf Coast region.
In October 20101, recognizing the persistent and significant ecological decline in the Gulf
Coast region and responding to Secretary Nlabus's recommendation, :.President Oba na
established the Task Force to identify the immediate needs of the Gulf white Congress
could consider creating a more permanent Council. The Task Force was responsible for
developing a strategy to address damage caused by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and
longstanding ecological challenges facing the Gulf Coast region. Led by EPA
.Administrator Lisa Jackson, the Task Force reviewed existing Federal and State efforts
and produced a strategy based upon the ongoing work and priorities of each of the Gulf
Coast States, relevant Federal agencies, local communities, Tribes, academics,
nongovernmental organizations, businesses, and other Gulf residents. In December 20.11.,
the Task. Force released the GuE f q f *Mexico Reg oral .Ecosystem Restoration Strategy (the
Task F orce Strategy), which identified four overarching goals to guide the collective
actions at the local, State, and Federal levels to address the ongoing decline and restore
the Gulf Coast's ecosystems.
The Initial Comprehensive Plan: Developing an Integrated Approach to Gate'
Re,vtoration
.Building on the strong foundation established by the Task Force and other local, regional,
State, and Federal plans, the Council intends to provide an integrated approach to Gulf
restoration, recognizing that ecosystem restoration is inextricably linked to economic
growth and development. To help accomplish this broad vision, the Council will develop
an initial Comprehensive Plan and approve State expenditure plans to restore and protect
the natural resources, ecosystems, fisheries, marine and wildlife habitats, beaches, barrier
islands, dunes, coastal wetlands, and economy of the gulf Coast.
Consistent with the RESTORE Act, the initial Comprehensive .Plan will include: (1)
provisions necessary to incorporate the strategy, projects, and programs recommended by
the Task. Force; (2) a list of any project or program authorized prior to enactment of the
RESTORE .Act, but not yet begun., the completion of which would further the purposes
and goals of the Comprehensive .Plan and the RESTORE Act; (3) a description. of the
manner in which amounts from. the Trust Fund projected to be made available to the
Council for the next ten. years will be allocated; and (4) subject to available funding, a
three-year ;project and program. priority list. The three-year list will be based on criteria
included, in the RESTORE .Act — projects and programs providing the greatest
contribution to restoring and protecting natural resources of the Gulf Coast region, large-
scale projects and programs that will contribute to restoring and protecting natural.
resources of the Gulf Coast region, projects contained in existing Gulf Coast State
G[JU COAST ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION COL-INCIL
comprehensive plans, and projects that restore long-term resiliency of the natural
resources impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
The initial Comprehensive Plan aims to provide an integrated approach to Gulf
restoration by setting out high-level guidance focused on restoration of natural resources
and the jobs, communities, and economies those resources support. To provide this
guidance, the initial Comprehensive Plan will adopt and expand on the four overarching
Task Force Strategy goals: (1) Restore and Conserve Habitat; (2) Restore Water Quality;
(3) Replenish and .Protect Living Coastal and Marine Resources; and (4) Enhance
Community Resilience. In addition to these four goals, the initial Comprehensive Plan
will include a fifth goal, Restore and Revitalize the Gulf Econorny. This fifth goal will
focus on reviving and supporting a sustainable Gulf economy to ensure that those
expenditures by the States authorized in the Act under the State allocation and the oil
spill restoration Impact allocation can be considered in the context of comprehensive
restoration. Together, these five goals provide the overarching framework for an
integrated approach for Gulf region -wide restoration.
While focused on the long-term recovery of the Gulf, the initial Comprehensive Plan will
invest in specific actions, projects, and programs that can be carried out in the near" -term
to help ensure on -the -ground results to restore the overall health of the ecosystem. The
Council will ensure that the initial Comprehensive Plan is based on the best available
science and can be adapted over time to incorporate new science, information, and
changing conditions, fn accordance with the timeline below (see Figure 2), the Council
intends to develop this initial Comprehensive Plan by July d, 2013 after notice and an
opportunity for public comment.
The Council will develop the initial Comprehensive Plan in collaboration with the people
who live and work in the Gulf Coast region. The Council supports robust opportunities
for public engagement to hear from individuals across the Gulf Coast region. The
Council will post specific meeting times and locations for public engagement on its
website; bt'�1��� ;c�,sto��ertlri� r�rl : �'v, where the public can also submit comments.
a
Public Engagement Council releases Draft Initial Council releases Initial
Opportunities In Five Gulf States Comprehensive Plan #or 30-day Comprehensive Plan
public comment period
Figure 2: Initial Comprehensive Plan Development Timeline.
GULF COAST ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION COUNCIL,
4
Coordination with Re cited .�f
The Council recognizes that there are other partners critical to restoring and sustaining
the health of the Gulf Coast region. The Council will closely coordinate its efforts, as
appropriate, with States, Federal agencies and other organizations working in the Gulf
Coast region, including with any new projects and programs funded under other sections
of theRESTORE Act. Additionally, as appropriate, the Council will coordinate with
other intergovernmental bodies and large-scale Gulf restoration initiatives to ensure that
efforts are complementary and mutually beneficial. Two significant processes include
tie Deel.)wtiter.Horizon Natural Resource Damage Assessment, and upon judicial review
and approval, the implementation of criminal settlement funds for ecosystem restoration
by the NationatFish and Wildlife Foundation. While each process is subject to different
requirements for investing resources, funding from each of these efforts will be directed
to restoration in the Gulf Coast region. The Council will work closely with its partners to
advance common goals, reduce duplication., and maximize the benefits to the Gulf Coast
region.
Overall, the goal of the Council is simple: to use the funds available to foster a stronger,
healthier, and more resilient Gulf Coast region. The Council will build on the Task Force
Strategy; coordinate with other significant Gulf restoration efforts; strive to make policy
and regulatory processes associated with restoration projects more efficient; and leverage
the best ideas frorn the Gulf communities to develop, and, once funding becomes
available, implement an initial Comprehensive Plan. The Council looks forward to
working with the citizens of the Gulf Coast on the challenging and important tasks ahead.
GULF COAs,r EC'OSYSTEM RESTORATION COUNCIL
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