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INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA AGENDA ITEM Parks, Recreation & Conservation Department Conservation Lands Division Date: February 21, 2024 To: The Honorable Board of County Commissioners Thru: John A. Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator Michael C. Zito, Deputy County Administrator Beth Powell, Parks, Recreation & Conservation Director From: Wendy Swindell, Conservation Lands Manager Subject: Resolution of the Board of County Commissioners Authorizing Funding for a Florida Inland Navigation District Waterways Assistance Program Grant for the Wabasso Causeway Park BACKGROUND: Wabasso Causeway Park is located along Wabasso Beach Road (CR 510) and consists of four separate spoil island lobes encompassing an area of approximately 13.4 acres. Features include a boat launch, restroom facilities, picnic tables, pavilions, and shoreline areas for recreation. Conditions within the park have deteriorated over the years due to storm damage, increases in wave energy associated with high water events from King Tides, and wear from public use. The boat ramp and adjacent parking area require significant repair and replacement, and amenities along the shoreline areas are significantly affected by continuous erosion. DESCRIPTION AND CONDITIONS: Staff are initiating the process to develop a phased plan to provide the public with improvements to boating and kayaking facilities, picnic areas, and shoreline recreation at the park. The plan will include maximizing potential shoreline habitat enhancements and improving the long-term resiliency and sustainability of the park and its amenities. Phase 1 of the plan includes submittal of a 2024 Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) Waterways Assistance Program (WAP) grant application to provide funding towards the design and engineering of improved parking and boating/kayaking facilities. The 3 -year Phase 1 design and engineering FIND grant is reimbursable once the Phase 2 portion of the project is submitted to FIND (for construction of Phase 1 amenities). As part of the FIND WAP application process, the County is required to provide a Resolution that states that matching funds have been allocated for this grant. The cost for design and engineering of the project is estimated to be approximately $150,000. The County is required to match 50% ($75,000) towards the completion of the grant deliverable. A copy of the draft FIND Resolution has been attached. Should the grant be awarded, a grant agreement provided by FIND will be brought to the Board for consideration and execution, if approved. 117