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PROJECT NARRATIVE 1. Description of Proposed Project: Construction of a 15,000 square foot facility which will house a wide variety of environmental education opportunities including hands-on learning for all Indian River County School children (curriculum being written by School District); lectures and field trips for adults by the Marine Resources Council; boating safety courses by the Coast Guard Auxiliary; classes given through the Aquatic Preserve Program of the Department of Natural Resources and dockage space to be used by all occupants of the facility. 2. Description of Permits Required and Their Status: Land Clearing Permit has been obtained from Indian River County. St. John's Water Management District Stormwater Discharge permit and Indian River County Site Plan was approved in 1987; both will be renewed. In the first 3 months of 1990 the following permits will be applied for: Dredge and Fill permit from DER & ACOE and Sewer & Water permits from DER & Indian River County. 3. Statement of Potential Public Usage of the Project: All uses will be open to all members of the public. This will include nature trails along boardwalks, canoe trails, shallow water & deep water docks and 300 seat auditorium. Educational opportunities will include field trips, classes, lectures, slide shows & films. 4. Justification for the Construction of the Proposed Project: In 1986, a feasibility study was conducted of residents of Indian River County. This study showed there was a need for and desire to support an Environmental Learning Center. Since that time, a wide range of support has come from the Indian River County School Board, the citrus industry, the financial institutions, the developers and contractors and hundreds of private citizens. 5. Reasoning Why FIND Should Support This Project: The Environmental Learning Center project entails bricks and mortar, as well as education. It is felt that FIND should support the project because of its relevance to public recreation, boating safety, the local environment including wildlife, habitat, fisheries, water quality & vegetation. Not only will FIND's dollars be matched, but they will also be stretched through the Center's plans to educate the public on the importance of enhancing our inland waterway.