02/21/2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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appraisals were made on the property. The negotiated purchase price is $1.15 million and it is anticipated that the County will be filing for a 50% cost-share reimbursement from FCT. He advised that the LAAC supported this purchase and staff recommends the Board exercise the option to purchase the Ryall Parcel – South Prong Slough, authorize staff to close the purchase, and direct staff to apply for a FCT 50% cost-share reimbursement grant under the next FCT grant cycle. As liaison to LAAC, Chairman Neuberger has visited this “beautiful piece of property” and recommended purchasing it. Commissioner Davis was interested in having a wildlife crossing in the area. He was advised that a pedestrian crossing is anticipated and staff is aware that a crossing for wildlife is desirable but would be dependent on factors. Public Works Director Jim Davis has met with David Cox, Senior Civil Engineer, and others regarding that issue and there are no plans for a raised bridge, because of the cost ($1 million for a bridge) but are looking at either a box culvert or some type of crossing in that area. There are existing bridges in the Sebastian River Water Control District (SRWCD) canal system and the County will be replacing those bridges with a 4-lane divided type highway bridge. There will be culverts in some areas and some bridges over the main lateral canals. The Chairman opened the public hearing. David Cox , Periwinkle Drive, thanked staff for their help. He listed preservation, conservation and civic groups in support of this purchase and emphasized that these purchases are not just for natural resource or recreational amenities, but also for protection for the natural resource of St. Sebastian River and a discharge area for the St. Sebastian River. He hoped the door could be kept open for a piling-based crossing there (close to the water); we are going to widen CR-510 only once, but with good luck it will be here for generations. February 21, 2006 17