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Most of these projects received grant funding, which offset the total direct cost to the County. If a bond issue were utilized to finance similar improvements, there are grant funds available for projects such as these. We have also been successful at obtaining legislative appropriations to support these types of projects. This would enable the County to leverage any bond funds to serve as matching funds for the various grants that are available. This was done with the previous environmental land bonds as well. Staff would continue to pursue these funds, which would stretch the contemplated $50 million issue size to a significantly larger total amount of available funding for projects. EXISTING CONSERVATION LANDS — LAGOON ENHANCEMENT PROJECTS Another option for projects is to utilize existing conservation lands owned by the County. To date, there are over 11,900 acres in permanent protection through the County's acquisitions and partnerships with other entities. Of this acreage, approximately 2,300 acres are actively managed by County staff. These conservation lands were acquired through the two previous voter -approved bond issues. In addition to the inherent benefit of land conservation, some of these properties may have the potential : to provide additional lagoon benefits through incorporation of water quality enhancement features. One example of a current project is at the 16 -acre Jones' Pier Conservation Area. The County is currently managing construction of a project that is expected to be complete in the next few months. This project will restore land that was previously used as a citrus grove to include native wetland and upland habitats. These ecological enhancements include creation of a 4 -acre salt marsh that is connected to the Indian River Lagoon providing potential nutrient removal benefits. The salt -marsh habitat provided within this project is a rapidly diminishing resource within the County. The project also includes a living shoreline along the lagoon which provides shoreline protection as well as wildlife habitat. Projects constructed with similar benefits could be potential uses of lagoon bond funds. Another similar funding opportunity is the Lost Tree Islands Conservation Area Enhancement and Restoration Project. This project is partially funded through the County's five-year Capital Improvements Program at $2.7 million (including grant funds). It is estimated to cost between $5-8 million to restore and enhance wetlands, shorelines, and coastal hammock on the three main islands. Additional benefits include recreational amenities for area residents and visitors. This long-term project is not fully funded and currently relies on grant awards that are yet to be secured. Lagoon bond funding would have the potential to accelerate restoration efforts. Other opportunities may be available on the County's various conservation lands properties. Like the other capital projects, this willentail ongoing operating and maintenance costs. 136