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6) PROJECT VIABILITY: <br />a) Why is the project necessary and what need will it fill? Why are existing facilities <br />insufficient to meet demand? <br />ELC is the primary provider of environmental education programs for the general public <br />and schoolchildren in Indian River County and in our region of the ICK ELC hosts over <br />15,000 visitors/year, and our vision is to have them experience immersive, hands-on <br />learning experiences focused on the Indian River Lagoon, which is central to our area's <br />economic, ecological and cultural welfare, providing food, jobs, coastal protection and <br />recreational opportunities. In order to protect this resource for generations to come, <br />residents and visitors alike must form a connection to this critical habitat and understand <br />its importance for the health and livelihood of our community. A central feature of the <br />ELC's immersive campus experience is our Pontoon Tours with our Naturalists. By <br />providing the guests with guided pontoon tours, they can see first-hand this unique IRL <br />ecosystem and learn about its importance. <br />b) Clearly demonstrate how the project will continue to be maintained and funded after funding is <br />completed. <br />The Environmental Learning Center has maintained the FIND -funded facility for about 30 <br />years and will continue to budget for Dock Maintenance within its Yearly Operating <br />Budget for years to come. In addition, the organization is backed by an endowment <br />organization, the Environmental Learning Center Foundation. <br />c) Is this project referenced or incorporated in an existing maritime management, public assess <br />or comp plan? <br />The ELC is specifically referenced in the Indian River County 2030 Comprehensive Plan, <br />Chapter 9 Coastal Management Element, Objective 13 Education and Public Awareness, <br />Policy 13.2, page 64. Likewise, the Indian River County Manatee Protection and Boating <br />Safety Comprehensive Management Plan, Public Awareness and Education section <br />specifically describes the ELC as the "County's clearinghouse for environmental <br />education programs and materials." <br />(For reviewer only) <br />(1-7 points) <br />SUB -TOTAL <br />FIND FORM NO. 91-25 <br />Rule 66B-2.005 (Effective Date: 3-21-01, Revised 4-24-06, 1-27-14) <br />37 <br />