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environment of the waterways works; acquires knowledge about the technological, social, cultural, political, and economic <br />relationships occurring in waterway related environmental issues; and, becomes motivated to apply action strategies to maintain <br />balance between quality of life and quality of the environment of waterways. <br />Rulemaking Authority 379.976(2) FS. Laiv Implemented 374.976(1) FS. History-Ne1v 12-17-90, Amended 9-2-92, 2-6-97, Formerly 16T-2.003, <br />Amended 5-17-98, 3-21-01, 3-20-03,3-3-04, 4-21-05, 4-24-06, 4-15-07, 3-25-08, 3-7-11. <br />6613-2.004 Policy. <br />The following constitutes the policy of the District regarding the administration of the program: <br />(1) Financial Assistance Eligibility: Financial assistance, support and cooperation may be provided to eligible governmental <br />agencies for approved projects as follows: <br />(a) Member counties may be provided financial assistance, support or cooperation in planning, acquisition, development, <br />construction, reconstruction, extension, improvement, operation or the maintenance of public navigation, local and regional anchorage <br />management, beach renourishment, public recreation, inlet management, environmental education, maritime management plans, and <br />boating safety projects directly related to the waterways. <br />(b) Eligible local governments may also be provided financial assistance, support and cooperation in planning and carrying out <br />public navigation, local and regional anchorage management, beach renourishment, public recreation, inlet management, <br />environmental education, and boating safety projects directly related to the waterways. <br />(c) Navigation related districts may be provided with financial assistance to pay part of the costs of the planning and acquisition <br />of dredge material management sites if the Board finds that the site is required for the long-range maintenance of the Atlantic <br />Intracoastal Waterway channel. All such sites must meet the development and operational criteria established by the District through <br />a long-range dredge material management plan for that county. Navigation related districts may also be provided with assistance for <br />waterway related access projects, environmental mitigation projects associated with waterway improvement related activities, and <br />inlet management projects if the Board finds that the project benefits public navigation in the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. All <br />navigation related districts shall contribute at least equal matching funds to any District financial assistance provided. Seaports may <br />also be furnished assistance and support in planning and carrying out environmental mitigation projects. All seaport projects shall <br />benefit publicly maintained channels and harbors. Each seaport shall contribute matching funds for funded projects. <br />(d) Eligible projects shall, include the acquisition and development of public boat ramps and launching facilities, including those <br />in man-made, navigable waterways contiguous to "waterways" as defined in Rule 6613-2.003, F.A.C. <br />(2) Notification: The District will notify by direct mail, email and/or advertised public notice all eligible governmental agencies <br />of the program and the upcoming authorized submission period. <br />(3) Project Approval: Approval of projects by the District shall be in accordance with these rules. <br />(4) Project Accessibility: Facilities or programs funded in whole or in part by program funds shall be made available to the general <br />public of all of the member counties on a non-exclusive basis without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex or similar condition. <br />Additionally, facilities funded in whole or in part by program funds, shall not require a paid membership for the general public of all <br />of the member counties as a condition to use the facilities. User or entrance fees may be charged for the use of facilities funded in <br />whole or in part by program funds, however such fees shall be reasonable and shall be the same for the general public of all of the <br />member counties. <br />(5) Waterway Impacts: All development projects must be designed so as not to impact navigation along the District's waterways <br />through the placement of structures, attendant uses, or the necessity of a boating speed zone for safety purposes. Before applying for <br />boating speed zone designation in District waterways because of a project funded by this program, the sponsor shall first receive <br />approval from the Board. The Board will use the criteria found in Section 327.46(1), F.S., in determining whether to approve the <br />proposed boating speed zone. <br />(6) Project Maintenance: The project sponsor shall be responsible for the operation, maintenance, and management of the project <br />for the anticipated life of the project and shall be responsible for all expenses required for such purposes. The project shall be <br />maintained in accordance with the standards of maintenance for other similar local facilities and in accordance with applicable health <br />standards. Project facilities and improvements shall be kept reasonably safe and in reasonable repair to prevent undue deterioration <br />and to encourage public use. The project sponsor shall have full legal authority and financial ability to operate and maintain the project <br />facilities. <br />