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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-016RESOLUTION N0. 90- 16 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA, TO THE FLORIDA INLAND NAVIGATION DISTRICT REQUESTING GRANT ASSISTANCE UNDER THE GRANT ASSISTANCE TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS PROGRAM FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER. WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Indian River County, Florida (BOARD), is interested in carrying out the Environmental Learning Center project at a total estimated construction cost of $1,500,000 for the enjoyment of the citizenry of Indian River County and the State of Florida; and WHEREAS, the Center will provide a hands-on environmental education program facility consisting of two classroom laboratories, auditorium, dock space, nature trails, canoe trails, boardwalks, environmental resource library, office space for the State Department of Natural Resources, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Marine Resources Council and Pelican Island Audubon Society, and other features enabling County educators to teach environmental sciences to County school students and through adult education programs; and WHEREAS, Florida Inland Navigation District (DISTRICT) financial assistance is required for the program mentioned above; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA, that the Project described above be authorized. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the said BOARD makes application to the Florida Inland Navigation District in the amount of 13 1/3% of the actual cost of the project in behalf of said Environmental Learning Center. AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the BOARD that it certifies to the following: 1. That it will accept the terms and conditions set forth in the FIND Grants Guidelines and which will be a part of the Project Agreement for any grant awarded under the attached proposal. 2. That it is in complete accord with the attached Proposal, and that it will carry out the program in the manner described in the proposal and any plans and specifications attached hereto, unless prior approval for any changes has been received from the DISTRICT. 3. That it has the ability and intention to finance its share of the cost of the project (13 t/3% match), and that the Project will be operated and maintained at the expense of said Environmental Learning Center for public use. 4. That it will not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, or national origin in the use of any property or facility acquired or developed pursuant to this Project, and shall comply with the terms and intent of the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, P. L. 88-352 (1964) and design and construct all facilities to comply fully with the statutes relating to accessibility by handicapped persons as well as other federal, state, and local laws, rules, and requirements. 5. That it will maintain adequate financial records on the proposed project to substantiate claims for reimbursement. 6. That it will make available to FIND, a post -audit of expenses incurred on the project prior to, or in conjunction vith, a request for the final 10% of the funding agreed to by FIND. The foregoing resolution was offered by Commissioner Wheeler who moved its adoption. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Bird and, upon being put to a vote, the vote was as follows: Chairman Carolyn K. Eggert Aye Vice -Chairman Richard N. Bird Aye Commissioner Margaret C. Bowman Aye Commissioner Don C. Scurlock, Jr. Aye Commissioner Gary Wheeler Aye The Chairman thereupon declared the resolution duly passed and adopted this 23rd day of January 1 1990. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS INDIAt�j RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA By G/J Carol K. Eg t Chairffian Att st C!/ Inman A,", Cn AVgroved Dale LCIe — ��•' /J Admin. , .� Q —"` C/f Legal 7 Attachment: Project Proposal o�Ul Risk Mgr FLORIDA INLAND NAVIGATION DISTRICT GRANTS TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS PROJECT PROPOSAL 1. PROJECT SPONSOR: Indian River County Liaison Agent: Jim Davis Title: Director of Public Works Address: 1840 25th Street Vero Beach, Florida 32960 Telephone No: (407) 567-8000 2. PROJECT TITLE: Environmental Learning ('enter 3. PROJECT AMOUNT: Total $1,500,000 Construction Cos FIND Share $ 200,000 --13 2/3°i Source of Matching Funds: Indian River County 4. OWNERSHIP OF PROJECT SITE: Fee Simple Title Indian River County Lease Interest 99 years to Environmental Learning renter throueh Assignment of Lease If Leased - Name of Lessor: Indian River County Terms and Conditions: Restricted to Educational Activities 5. TYPE OF PROJECT: Boat ramp Marina Beach Renourishment Navigation Bridge Boating Safety g Recreation X Study X Restoration Education X Park Research g 6. PERMITS REQUIRED DATE RECEIVED DNR Application being made by March 1 loan DER Application being made by March 1 loan ALOE Application being made by March i taon COUNTY/LAND CLEARING PERMIT October it 1989 OTHER: 7. ESTIMATED STARTING DATE: June 1. 1990 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: June 1 1991 8. PREVIOUS FIND GRANT AT This Project Site - YES NO _& 9. Has this grant application been discussed with your local FIND Commissioner? _ Yes 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. The Environmental Learning Center The Environmental Learning Center of Indian River County will be strategically located on the southern two-thirds of Wabasso Island which is in the middle of the Indian River Lagoon, part of the Intracoastal Waterway system - the site is owned by Indian River County. The property in and of itself, provides an example of different land types; 14 acres of the site is considered uplands where the facility will be constructed; the balance of 37 acres is primarily wetlands. Incorporated within the five separate pavilions comprising the Center are: - Two large classroom laboratories Locker rooms, hose down area, and lunch room (which doubles for additional classroom space) - An auditorium with stage and projection capabilities - A Registrar's office and Gift Shop - Offices, libraries, and archives of various local and state environmental agencies. In addition, several docking facilities will be provided on-site and adjacent to the site for users of the Center. All aspects of the facility will be utilized by the Indian River County School District, the Department of Natural Resources, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Audubon Society, the St. Johns River Water Management District, the Marine Resources Council of Florida Institute of Technology and others. Why Should FIND Participate In This Project? Florida's inland waterways present FIND with many problems, not the least of which is the environmental well being of the valuable resource. This concern is shared by the citizens of Indian River County, and because of it, the County has positioned itself to offer major assistance to the District in meeting this responsibility. The health of the lagoon, and the environmental future of Florida in general, are dependent upon an enlightened population. How much more effective the District's efforts would be if the Public better understood what is needed for the betterment of the waterway. To that end is the Environmental Learning Center. The District's effort to increase public interest and - understanding of the inland waterway will be greatly enhanced by processing annually Indian River County's ten thousand students through the Center. In addition to public and private school participation, the Center will provide for adult educational opportunities by the aforementioned groups. It is proposed that the Department of Natural Resources will maintain an on-site facility under the direction of Ms. Liberta Poolt, from which the waterway program of that agency will be enlarged. The Marine Resources Council (MRC) will establish an office with teaching capability. Ms. Diane Barile, Executive Director of MRC assures us that the waterway's best interest, especially that section known as "the narrows", will be better served. In addition, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, under the direction of Cmdr. Jack Reeder, will be provided headquarters. Safe use of the waterway will be taught on an ongoing basis. A breakdown of the total construction cost of $1.5 million reflects a direct construction expenditure of $400,000 for the facilities to house the Coast Guard Auxiliary, The Department of Natural Resources, and the Marine Resources Council activities in behalf of the Surface Water Improvement Management legislation. The County is requesting funding from FIND in the amount of $200,000 as participants in this project. In conclusion, Indian River County, through its Parks & Recreation Committee, believes that the mutual investment in the Environmental Learning Center by FIND and the County will create a facility of important assistance to the District in meeting its responsibilities. �✓, PELICAN ISLAND y INDIAN NATIONAL WABASSO RIVER WILDLIFE ATLANTIC sy �REFUGE �.. OCEAN PIAS �� ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING �� o w CENTER BEACH SEBASTIAN 9 Q 9 y{F 9Z U 9� _ �2a G� OAe��E vlpapssa y a L Tp SR 50 a S R 5p I m VERO BEACH " Site of E.L.C. Along Florida Inland Waterway