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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-037P. - /�- 0 COST ( SHARE GRANT CONTRACT '� '`✓s („9C ' N _ t .�i T {i` i^ .,,(.,e ` r' V / Y \ ' - 1�. '�4 'mac.. L f t �..�, ,` vk� This Cost Share r nt Contract ( " Contract" ) entered into as of ' G/ � 2003 by and between Indian River Coun y , a political subdivision of the State of Florida , ( " County" ) and IMG Enterprises , Inc . , having an address of 7836 Cherry Lake Road , Groveland , Florida 34736 ( " Recipient" ) . BACKGROUND RECITALS : A . The County has entered into a Contractual Services Agreement with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services ( " Department" ) for the Indian River Citrus Area Water Quality / Quantity Protection Program , [ Contract FDCAS # 68001 ( " Cost Share Agreement" ) attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference . B . Pursuant to the terms of the Cost Share Agreement , the County may enter into contracts with eligible applicants / recipients for the purpose of partially funding and fully implementing the agricultural water quality best management practices ( " BMP" ) contemplated in the Cost Share Agreement and more specifically set forth in the Operation and Maintenance Plan and the Applicant Evaluation Review Sheet , each of which is attached hereto , collectively referenced as Exhibit B . and incorporated herein in their entirety by this reference . C . Recipient has applied to the County for a cost share grant of money ( " Grant" ) to fund , at the designated " program reimbursement rate" set forth in Exhibit A , and fully implement the BMP on the terms and conditions set forth herein . D . The County has agreed to provide the Grant funds to the Recipient to fund , at the designated " program reimbursement rate" set forth in Exhibit A , and fully implement the BMP on the terms and conditions set forth herein . NOW , THEREFORE , in accordance with the mutual covenants hereinafter contained and other good and valuable 1 w consideration , the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged , the parties agree as follows . 1 . 0 Background Recitals . The background recitals are true and correct and form a material part of this Contract . 2 . 0 Cost Share Agreement Requirements . By signing this Contract , the Recipient acknowledges and agrees that . ( i ) the funding source of this Contract is the Cost Share Agreement ; the Grant pays for only that portion of the cost of the BMP that is set forth on Exhibit B as the " Cost Share" the Recipient is solely responsible for the portion of the cost of the BMP that is set forth on Exhibit B as the " Applicant Cost" ; ( iv ) certain obligations of the County under the Cost Share Agreement will be performed by the Recipient and the County , respectively ; ( v ) by j) eCember 110 c3Do3 the Recipient shall 10 implement , establish , and complete the BMP ; ( vi ) upon completion of installation of the BMP , the Recipient shall certify and submit all required invoices for payment for the BMP to the Indian River Soil and Water Conservation District as agent for the County under the Cost Share Agreement , and the Indian River Soil and Water Conservation District shall submit the invoices to the County for further processing and payment ; ( vii ) the Recipient shall maintain and replace the BMP for the required maintenance period set forth in Exhibit B , and , further , specifically acknowledges that the Cost Share Agreement requires reimbursement to the Department on a pro - rata basis for any Grant funding received for a BMP that is improperly maintained , removed , or destroyed before the end of the maintenance period set forth on Exhibit B ; ( viii ) the Recipient will control the land upon which the BMP is to be implemented for the time period set forth in Exhibit B and shall , upon request , provide evidence to the County demonstrating that such Recipient or 2 the landowner , where applicable , will control the land for that period ; ( ix ) the Grant funds shall not be used to lobby the Florida Legislature , the judicial branch , or an agency of the State of Florida ; ( x ) the Recipient shall maintain adequate records fully to document the use of the Grant funds for at least three ( 3 ) years after the completion of this Contract , and the County shall have access to books , records , and documents of the Recipient in connection with the Grant funds for the purpose of inspection or audit during normal business hours at the County ' s expense , upon five ( 5 ) days prior written notice ; ( xi ) the Recipient shall comply at all times with all applicable federal , state , and local laws , rules , and regulations in connection with the BMP ; ( xii ) the Recipient must have all applicable permits , including , but not limited to , a County Right of Way Permit , and a Consumptive Use Permit , an Environmental Resource Permit , or an Agricultural Surface Water Management Systems Permit pursuant to applicable provisions of the Florida Administrative Code to be eligible for the Grant ; ( xiii ) the Recipient has not been placed on the State of Florida convicted vendor list kept by the Florida Department of Management Services pursuant to Florida Statutes section 287 . 133 ; and ( xiv ) the employment by the Recipient of unauthorized aliens is a violation of Section 274A ( e ) of the Immigration and Nationalization Act , and such violation shall be cause for unilateral cancellation of this Contract . 3 . 0 Standard Terms . This Contract is subject to the standard terms attached hereto as Exhibit C and incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference . 3 IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the County and the Recipient have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above . INDIAN RIVER COUNTY BOARD O OUNTY OMMISSIONERS Attest : J . K . Barton , Clerk By : 2 � n enneth R . Macht , Chairm By : Deputy Clerk Approved by : Indian River Ca APProved ale ames E . andler Admin. PAdministr or ! F ^ At . Bangel ; � Mgr . Attorney Michel Sallin RECIPIENT : IMG Enterprises ,, Inc . Signature : �r� �`Q,t � 114e % ft Title : ty -f 4 / ' %� OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE PLAN i �3 r PORTABLE AGRICHEMICAL MIXING STATION COOPERATOR : > ISoa ' Loo a DATE : �A� Z �0S ADDRESS : qe3 (o C�y 44146 /1D - � ��G/�D 72 - 3 473 (o PRACTICE LOCATION : SECTION /74; TOWNSHIP RANGE 3 71E FIELD NO . i A. IZI GENERAL A properly operated and maintained portable agrichemical mixing station (PAMS) is an asset to your farm. This equipment was designed to provide a facility to mix and load pesticides and at the same time protect ground and surface waters. The estimated life span of the PAMS is at least 5 years . The life of the equipment can be assured and usually increased by developing and carrying out a good operation and maintenance program. This practice will require you to perform periodic maintenance and will require operational items to maintain satisfactory performance . The following are some recommendations to help you develop a good operation and maintenance program. GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS Test the portable agrichemical mixing station using clean water before the first use. Keep the equipment clean at all times . Immediately respond to any spills, leaks, accidents, or normal operational procedures from which pesticides or pesticide contaminated water come in contact with the PAMS pad. • Rinsate should be land applied to the target crop at a rate below the label requirements. Do not drain rinse water or rinsate from the sprayer or pesticide containers onto the ground. Rinse water from the spray tank shall be applied as a pesticide. Cross mixing of various pesticides or pesticide contaminated water shall be avoided except where allowed by the pesticide label. • All materials which come in contact with pesticides shall be handled as required by state regulations and pesticide labels. • Empty pesticide containers shall be returned to permanent / primary pesticide storage or decontaminated in accordance with state regulations and pesticide labels. Follow manufacturer recommendations in the proper use and maintenance of the PAE . INSPECTIONS Thoroughly inspect the PAMS on a regular basis. The inspection should include, but is not limited to, the pump, hoses, pipes, valves, connectors, filters, tanks, related plumbing material, and safety equipment. Complete any needed repairs and replacements prior to using the equipment. VIOLATIONS Failure to carry out the operation and maintenance required for the PAMS may result in the reimbursement of the FDACS cost share dollars used to purchase it. CONTACT THE INDIAN RIVER SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT FOR ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE YOU MAY NEED FOR M4PLEMENTATION OF THIS OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE PLAN. Form date January 2003 Cont'd from pg 2 . Application Evaluation Review Sheet Applicant Name : TApp # 24 , 25 . IMG Citrus. Address : 17836 Cherry Lake Rd . Groveland , FI . 34736 Tract Number(s) : Field Number(s) : All in I . R . County Date : INov . 16 , 2002 VL; Review -Summ Land Use/Field : Acres : Micro-Irrigated Citrus Grove 380 Best Management Practices Applied For. 4. Portable Agrichemical Mixing Station . Total BMP Costs : / 60% Cost Share : Div By Total Eval Points: = Applicant's Score: Applicant Cos $ 1 , 522 . $913 20 45 . 66 $60gj Vil . fterita*s: VIII. Designated f.6riservationist. 57 1 14� x 4 lei 2�� (Signature) I Date (Checked By) Date: 4 - 1 - O IRSWCD Board Approval Date IL 23 - 03 (Applicant Signature) Date Privacy Act Statement: The following statements are made in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974 (5U .S .C . 522a) . The authorities for requesting the information to be applied on this form are: 16 U .S .C . 590a-f (Soil and Water Conversation) ; 16U .S .C . 3801 et seq . (Food Security Acto of 1985 , as ammended) , and the regulation promulgated theruder. The information requested is necessary for the evaluation of an application , development and implementation of a conservation plan as the basis for satisfying program eligibility and compliance requirements , and for providing technical education , or financial assist- ance under the previously mentioned authorities . Furnishing this information is voluntary; however, failure to furnish correct, complete information will result in the withholding or withdrawal of such technical, educational , or financial assistance. This information may be furnished to other USDA agencies , the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Justice, or the other State or Federal law enforcement agencies , or in response to orders of a court, magistrate, or administrative tribunal . IRSWCD Page 3 ( 10-26-01 ) of ' 4 EXHIBIT C STANDARD TERMS FOR COST SHARE GRANT CONTRACT 1 . Termination : This Contract may be terminated by either party in the event of a substantial failure by the other party to perform in accordance with the terms of the Contract upon thirty ( 30 ) days prior written notice . In t he event the County terminates this Contract , the Recipient shall return all funds not used as of the date of t ermination to the County within ten ( 10 ) calendar days . 2 . Notices : Any notice , request , demand , consent , approval o r other communication required or permitted by this Contract shall be given or made in writing and shall be served , as elected by the party giving such notice , by any o f the following methods : ( 1 ) Hand delivery to the other party ; ( 2 ) Delivery by commercial overnight courier service ; o r ( 3 ) Mailed by registered or certified mail ( postage prepaid ) , return receipt requested at the addresses of the parties shown below : County : Indian River Soil & Water Conservation District ( IRSWCD ) James Karl 1028 - 20t'' Place , Suite A Vero Beach , Florida 32960 Recipient : I M G Enterprises , Inc . Michel Sallin 7836 Cherry Lake Road Groveland , Florida 34736 3 . Federal and State Taxes : The County is exempt from payment of Florida State Sales and Use Taxes . The Recipient shall be responsible for payment of all federal , state , and local taxes and fees incurred in connection with this Contract . 4 . Venue ; Choice of Law : The validity , interpretation , construction , and effect of this Contract shall be in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Florida , only . The location for settlement of any and all claims , controversies , or disputes , arising out of or 1 relating to any part of this Contract , or any breach hereof , as well as any litigation between the parties , shall be Indian River County , Florida for claims brought in state court , and the Southern District of Florida for those claims justiciable in federal court . 5 . Entirety of Agreement : This Contract incorporates and includes all prior and contemporaneous negotiations , correspondence , conversations , agreements , and understandings applicable to the matters contained herein and the parties agree that there are no commitments , agreements , or understandings concerning the subject matter of this Contract that are not contained herein . Accordingly , it is agreed that no deviation from the terms hereof shall be predicated upon any prior representations or agreements , whether oral or written . It is further agreed that no modification , amendment or alteration in the terms and conditions contained herein shall be effective unless contained in a written document signed by both parties . 6 . Severability : If any term or provision of this Contract or the application thereof to any person or circumstance shall , to any extent , be held invalid or unenforceable for the remainder of this Contract , then the application of such term or provision to persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid or unenforceable shall not be affected , and every other term and provision of this Contract shall be deemed valid and enforceable to the extent permitted by law . 7 . CAPTIONS AND INTERPRETATIONS : Captions in this Contract are included for convenience only and are not to be considered in any construction or interpretation of this Contract or any of its provisions . Unless the context indicates otherwise , words importing the singular number include the plural number , and vice versa . Words of any gender include the correlative words of the other genders , unless the sense indicates otherwise . 2 T" �x i3 / OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE PLAN PRECISION APPLICATION EQUIPMENT COOPERATOR : � . /� . f/i'�.�/�iQ/.S�S �iVL - DATEV ,—T, l,--� 21413 ADDRESS : �8 3 Co G'd2j' G i4K� 0 3 7 '7 �i� PRACTICE LOCATION : SECTION tLLLw TOWNSHIP 3335 RANGE 3 FT a FIELD NO . . L / /L/ GENERAL Properly operated and maintained precision application equipment (PAE) is an asset to your farm. The PAE was designed to allow nutrients and / or pesticides to be applied in a precise manner relative to the target of application. The estimated life span of the PAE is at least 5 (five) years . The life of this equipment can be assured and usually increased by developing and carrying out a good operation and maintenance program, This practice will require you to perform periodic operations to maintain satisfactory performance. Here are some recommendations to help you develop a good operation and maintenance program. GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS • Clean the precision application equipment after each use. • All materials which come in contact with pesticides and pesticide contaminated material shall be handled as required by state regulations and pesticide labels. • Follow manufacturer recommendations in the proper use and maintenance of the PAE . INSPECTIONS The PAE should be inspected routinely especially before and after each use. All items needing maintenance should be repaired immediately. VIOLATIONS Failure to carry out the operation and maintenance required for the PAE may result in the reimbursement of the FDACS cost share dollars used to purchase it. CONTACT THE INDIAN RIVER SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT FOR ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE YOU MAY NEED FOR IlVIPLEMENTATION OF THIS OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE PLAN. Form date January 2003 Cont'd from pg 2 . Application Evaluation Review Sheet Applicant Name : Appl . #24 , 25 ; I M G tiuus ,4reepAt ES Address : 7836 Cherry Lake Rd . Groveland , FI . 34736 Tract Number(s) . Field Number(s) : All in IMG Indian River County Groves Date : Nov . 16 , 2002 V1 :�teviewStaimtlla : Land Use/Field : Acres : Micro-Irrigated Citrus Grove 3 O Best Management Practices Applied For: 3, Precision Application Equipment Total BMP Costs : 60% Cost Share: Div by Total Eval Points: Div by Acres, times 100 = Applicant Score Applicant Cost: $211775" $ 13 , 065' 20 17 P $ 8 , 7 0 VII. rRentarkm Vill: ,Vesi hated Conservationist: W Ile (Signature) Date: (Checked By) Date: ,,0 Az? _Z9 / lz, 3 `O 3 IR WCD Board Approval Date (Applicant Signature) Q6te Privacy Act Statement: The following statements are made in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974 (5U .S .C. 522a) . The authorities for requesting the information to be applied on this form are: 16 U .S .C . 590a-f (Soil and Water Conversation) ; 16U .S .C . 3801 et seq . (Food Security Acto of 1985 , as ammended) , and the regulation promulgated theruder. The information requested is necessary for the evaluation of an application , development and implementation of a conservation plan as the basis for satisfying program eligibility and compliance requirements , and for providing technical education , or financial assist- ance under the previously mentioned authorities . Furnishing this information is voluntary; however, failure to furnish correct, complete information will result in the withholding or withdrawal of such technical , educational , or financial assistance. This information may be furnished to other USDA agencies , the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Justice, or the other State or Federal law enforcement agencies , or in response to orders of a court, magistrate, or administrative tribunal. IRSWCD Page 3 ( 10-26-01 ) MW '^M`�asi} a , b�k.�d. �'k � c !" +1�1s c�c .klj ' cli� �3 • ;_ 1. 6ria � � i f tY! >•< ,� !.y 9 �! ;7 ! t�5�, `'rf'-. � • _ r r zL° 5! i'r +' a:7 r ! FL n xr c. ' .yI 11q: '.; M04 till. Ta. '!•'• Y ''�J,rY5P1 t1 g S t} c i a bE x n x rj, iiiipFw3 • SSSS``` i 5 w x a t oiu lt ,j 41h14 �f +pl n' t. � r o1. - fw ; ss - M� } •• Vai V1- 11,41 it��5 ` • • L T4. 3 f ¢ x•4 f'f r l ; S.. Ie ��!$ '_ � • • • ` 3 � rte'. C� • � Si • { 4c Ir • YFII x'a 1 q.} { n , p L14 . j It qL 1 r,< ! a 9r, ; N4 M1 i d IL P _ & • � o . 4 ! Y + r L . LI .r-vi.r 41f " x r >' >y IL 10 lk ati7F �" 5 T' a { rkl4it !�' i j �d �i : !u i !. y YPt ia4 vsj n P inlrnrti a4� 5A ixf Ati i3 ';,� , C- t . r , �ti� �,� `�' , f ! � � > tii °'fid• a7 rl—iP4 DRO" AFT Indi I , a I . ter QI . I: Protection . Program Applicant' s Handbook March i 2002 ATTAA ' HME T " B " Applicant' s Handbook Indian River Citrus Area Water Quality/Quantity Protection Program Table of Contents Page 1 . 0 Introduction 3 2 . 0 Joint-Agency Water Resource Mandates 3 3 . 0 Purpose of the Program 3 4 . 0 Key Participating Agencies and Organizations 4 5 . 0 Eligible Practices 4 6 . 0 Description of Practices 4 7 . 0 Individual Program Cost-Share Rates and Alternative 6 Rates for Joint Program Participation 8 . 0 Application Procedure 7 9 . 0 Applicant Eligibility 8 10 . 0 Maintenance Requirements 8 11 . 0 Primary Administrative Agencies / Contacts 8 12 . 0 Local Program Delivery Agencies and Contacts for Each County 9 Appendix A - Application Form 10 Appendix B - Request for Cost- Share Reimbursement Form 11 Appendix C - Map of Program Area 12 3 , . , , ., Revise � .,;a � � i0L 2 1 , 0 Introduction This handbook provides guidance to applicants ( grove owners and grove caretakers ) who wish to obtain funding under the Indian River Citrus Area ( IBCA) Water Quality/Quantity Protection Program (WQQPP) . It contains the necessary information to understand the program and the application form . Specific application procedures to be followed will vary depending on the sub- region where the farm is located and the local organization that has been contracted to deliver program funds on behalf of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services ( FDACS) . 2 . 0 Joint-Agency Water Resource Mandates The St . Johns River Water Management District ( District) was created by the Water Resources Act of 1972 ( Chapter 373 , Florida Statutes) . Section 373 . 016 sets forth the District' s purpose and scope . Similarly , the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services ( FDACS) has responsibility under sections 403 . 067 and 570 . 085 , Florida Statutes . These responsibilities include , but are not limited to , the following : a ) To provide for the management of water and related land resources ; b ) To promote the conservation , development and proper utilization of surface and groundwater ; c) To develop and regulate dams , impoundments , reservoirs and other works to promote water storage , for beneficial purposes ; d ) To minimize degradation of water resources caused by the discharge of storm water; e ) To preserve natural resources , fish and wildlife ; and , f) To restore impaired waterbodies pursuant to the state ' s Total Maximum Daily Loads program . 3 . 0 Purpose of the Program This program has been established to promote agricultural BMPs ( refer to section 5 . 0 ) in the IRCA , in order to achieve the goals and objectives described primarily in Section 2 . 0 ( b ) , and to provide an overall water resource benefit to the Indian River Lagoon ( IRL) and Upper St . Johns River ( USJR) watersheds . Through the program , FDACS will provide reimbursement for select agricultural practices that have potential water conservation , sediment control , and water quality benefits . It is anticipated that this program will provide area citrus growers with economic assistance that would facilitate their voluntary implementation of BMPs that would not othervise be economically feasible . Revise :; ., � ; . ; / uZ 3 4 . 0 Key Participating Agencies and Organizations Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services ( FDACS ) • St . Johns River Water Management District ( SJRWMD ) South Florida Water Management District ( SFWMD ) USDA- Natural Resources Conservation Service ( NRCS ) • Indian River Soil and Water Conservation District ( IRSWCD ) University of Florida / Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences - Cooperative Extension Service ( Indian River County) • Indian River Board of County Commissioners • Treasure Coast Resource Conservation and Development Council (TCRC & D ) • Central Florida Resource Conservation and Development Council ( CFRC & D ) 5 . 0 Eligible Practices • Aquatic Weed Barrier • Chemigation Infrastructure • Conversion to Flash Board Riser Water Control Structure • Conversion to Low Volume Irrigation System • Grade Stabilization • On - site Water Detention/Retention • Permanent Agrichemical Mixing Facility and/or Equipment Washdown Facility • Portable Agrichemical Mixing Station • Precision Application Equipment • Water Table Observation Well 6 . 0 Description of Practices Aquatic Weed Barrier A structure installed upstream of outfall control structures to reduce offsite discharge of aquatic vegetation and subsequent decay of plant debris and secondary release of nutrients . Accumulated vegetation should be physically removed periodically and should not be treated chemically . Chemioation Infrastructure This practice includes equipment ( i . e . pumps , storage tanks , etc . ) that can be used to facilitate the application of fertilizers and other appropriate chemicals through a microirrigation system . Chemigation , can be used to improve water quality by minimizing the loss of fertilizer and pesticides during storm events . Drip emitter microirrigation systems are not eligible for reimbursement under this category . Conversion to Flashboard Riser Water Control Structure Flashboard risers are used to facilitate water table control in citrus groves . As secondary benefits , flashboard risers also improve sediment control and water quality . Cost share is Revised 03/21 .1'02 4 available for conversion to flashboard structures and for the replacement of existing flashboard structures that are no longer functioning properly . Conversion to Low Volume Irrigation System Converting from high volume flood ( or seepage) irrigation to low volume microirrigation conserves water improves water quality . With micro-irrigation , water is distributed through a network of underground pipe and above ground lateral tubing and applied directly to the soil above the plant's root zone . Modifications to existing microirrigation systems that can be expected to increase system efficiency and reduce offsite movement of nutrients , pesticides , and sediment are also eligible . Grade Stabilization This practice includes the use of structures , pipe , concrete , rock , vegetation , synthetic fabrics , and other materials to maintain the stability and integrity of soils in ditches , swales , water furrows , and other erosion prone areas . This practice also includes equipment for chemical mowing of ditch banks to promote the proliferation of grasses through the exclusion of higher growing weeds and brush . On - Site Water Detention/Retention This practice will provide for the attenuation of both the rate and volume of off-site water and sediment discharge following heavy storm events . The water may be stored for future use or released off-site later at reduced discharge rates . Permanent Aarichemical Mixing/Rinsing Facility and/or Equipment Washdown Facili This practice provides for the construction of a permanent facility to contain and recover spillage or rinsate from a fertilizer or pesticide mix and load area or from an equipment washdown site . It is intended to prevent fertilizer or pesticide contamination of ground or surface waters . The facility may include a concrete containment pad , pesticide storage building , sump/pump , rinsate tank , mixing tank , holding tank , and removable or permanent roof. Portable Agrichemical Mixing Station A portable device used in the field to prevent unintentional release of agrichemicals to the environment during mixing and loading of agrichemicals . The portable device must meet published standards and specifications ( USDA- NRCS Field Office Technical Guide — Interim Standard , Code 703 ) . The device can be used at more than one citrus grove . Precision Application Equipment Specialized equipment that allows nutrients and pesticides to be applied in a precise manner relative to the target of application . This includes sonic or optical sensors , devices that apply pesticides in a pre- defined , regulated manner, and equipment that uses GIS technology to allow application based on a pre-defined map . Precision application equipment often varies the rate of application , materials used , and location of application to achieve precise placement of the materials . Through this program , the department intends to cost share the precision elements of new equipment or retrofits to existing equipment that are needed to convert a non -precision spreader or sprayer into a precision spreader or sprayer . Water Table Observation Well This practice facilitates observation of the water table in a citrus grove and will help the manager to determine when groundwater Revised 03/21 /02 5 levels are optimal . This practice will also improve irrigation efficiency and conserve water within the USJR and IRL watersheds by providing growers with an empirical tool to more accurately determine irrigation scheduling needs . 7 . 0 Individual Program Cost-Share Rates and Alternative Rates for Joint Program Participation 7 . 1 Cost-share funds are available through this program for each of the practices listed in section 7 . 2 below at the designated "program reimbursement rate" . The program reimbursement rate represents the percentage of the total BMP cost to be paid through the program . Cost-share may also be available through the USDA- NRCS " Environmental Quality Incentives Program" ( EQIP) , and participants are encouraged to utilize both programs when possible to maximize the distribution of limited program funds . Those who choose to utilize both programs will generally be eligible to receive a higher overall rate of cost-share through a combination of the two programs . The maximum cost-share amount available from this program is $ 50 , 000 per agricultural operation ( individual or business ) per fiscal year. Cost. share amounts in excess of $ 50 , 000 are possible when cost-share is received from a combination of programs as explained in section 7 . 3 below. 7 . 2 Practice Title Pro -gram Cost-Share Rate Aquatic Weed Barrier 75 % Chemigation Infrastructure 70 % Conversion to Flash Board Riser Water 75 % Control Structure Conversion to Low Volume Irrigation System 75 % Grade Stabilization 75 % On -Site Water Detention/Retention 70 % Permanent Agrichemical Mixing/Washdown Facility 60 % Portable Agrichemical Mixing Station 60 % Precision Application Equipment 60 % Water Table Observation Well 75 % 7 . 3 When EQIP funds are received to support a practice or group of practices , the participant is automatically eligible to receive program funds . In this situation , the program will pay one half of the grower' s portion of the total project cost. As an example : If a grower implements an eligible practice that costs $ 50 , 000 and receives 75 % ($ 37 , 500) through the USDA - EQIP , the grower is also eligible to receive a program payment which equals one half of the grower' s portion of the cost or $6 , 250 . Using this formula , growers can receive up to 87 . 5 % of the total cost through a combination of both programs . The process of bidding down , which can be used to increase competitiveness Revised 03/21 /02 6 under the EQIP program , will result in a lower overall percentages of cost- share and will increase the percentage to be paid with program funds . As an example : If a grower implements an eligible practice that costs $ 50 , 000 and , for the purposes explained above , bids down the EQIP cost share to 60 % ( $ 30 , 000 ) the program payment will be 20 % ( $ 10 , 000 ) of the total project cost . Using the bid -down process , the total combined cost share received for the project was reduced to 80 % or $40 , 000 . 8 . 0 Application Procedure Step 1 : The applicant should schedule a pre-application meeting with staff of the local delivery organization covering the County where the farm or grove is located ( see Section 12 entitled_ " Local Program Delivery Organizations ") . It would be helpful to bring a recent aerial photo showing the proposed project area , grove block orientation , and layout of the grove infrastructure (e . g . , beds , ditching , pump location , etc . ) . Your local Property Appraiser' s office can provide you with the needed aerial photos . Step 2 : Complete the enclosed "Application For Cost Share " (Appendix A, Form 1 ) and submit the application to the appropriate local delivery organization as identified in Section 12 . 0 below. Step 3 : If the request is approved , the applicant should consult with the local MRCS office (or contractor of their choice) for the development of a project plan to include the design , cost estimate , and an operation and maintenance ( O &M) schedule . The project plan should then be submitted to the appropriate local delivery organization identified in Section 12 . 0 . Step 4 : A cost share agreement (to be provided by the local delivery organization ) will be signed by the applicant and executed by the local delivery organization . Execution of the contract shall serve as authorization to proceed with practice implementation in accordance with the agreement . Step 5 : Participant will notify program staff of project completion and schedule an inspection to verify that the practice has been installed or constructed in accordance with the project plan . Step 7 : The participant will submit a " Request for Payment" (Appendix A , Form 2 ) , ( including copies of all applicable receipts for work completed ) to the appropriate local delivery organization . Step 8 : The applicant will follow the O &M schedule provided for each practice . Program staff will periodically conduct site visits to verify that the O & M schedule is being followed . Program participants will be required to reimburse the state on a pro- rated basis for cost-share funding received for any practice that is improperly maintained , removed , or destroyed before the end of the maintenance period ( see Section 10 . 0 , Maintenance Requirements ) . Revise � CD3 /2 " ,'02 7 9 . 0 Applicant Eligibility To be eligible for funds under this program , grove owners must have all applicable permits , pursuant to Chapter 40 (X)-2 , F .A. C . ( Consumptive Use Permit) , Chapter 40 (X)-4 , F . A . C . ( Environmental Resource Permit) , or Chapter 40 (X) 44 , F .A. C . (Agricultural Surface Water Management Systems Permit) . Grove " caretakers " (who do not own the land where BMPs are to be implemented ) are also eligible for cost share if they meet the eligibility criteria of the local delivery organization and file a notice of intent with the landowner' s signature . Participation in this program is open to all eligible applicants without regard to race , color , religion , national origin , age , sex, marital status , and mental or physical handicap . 10 . 0 Maintenance Requirements The following practices must be properly maintained and operated for the number of years listed below. Practice Practice Maintenance I . D . # Title Period IR- 1 Aquatic Weed Barrier 3 Years IR-2 Chemigation Infrastructure 5 Years IR - 3 Conversion to Flash Board Riser 5 Years IR-4 Conversion to Low Volume Irrigation System 10 Years IR - 5 Grade Stabilization 5 Years IR- 6 On - site Water Detention/Retention 10 Years IR- 7 Permanent Agrichemical Mixing Facility 10 Years IR - 8 Portable Agrichemical Mixing Station 5 Years IR - 9 Precision Application Equipment 5 Years IR - 10 Water Table Observation Well 1 Year 11 . 0 Primary! Administrative Aaencies I Contacts Phone Number Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services : Alan Peirce (Tallahassee) ( 850 ) 488 -6249 Carol Johnson ( Palatka) ( 386 ) 329-4500 James Lee ( Palatka) ( 386 ) 329-4500 St . Johns River Water Management District : Vince Singleton ( Palatka) ( 386 ) 329-4197 Victor McDaniel ( Orlando ) ( 407 ) 897 -4313 Mark Crosby ( Palm Bay) ( 321 ) 676 -6631 Revises 0134 / C2 12 . 0 Local Program Delivery Agencies / Contacts for Each County County Local Delivery Organization Contact Phone Indian River Indian River SWCD James Karl ( 772 ) 770- 5005 USDA- NRCS Clare Nichols ( 772) 562 - 1923 IFAS — Coop . Extension Liberta Scotto ( 772) 770- 5030 Martin/St . Lucie/ Treasure Coast RC & D Donna Smith ( 772 ) 461 -4546 Okeechobee Brevard East Central Florida RC & D Steve Cox (407 ) 443-2689 USDA- NRCS David Millard ( 321 ) 633 - 1702 Volusia/ Florida Association of Cheryl McCrory ( 850 ) 623-0355 Palm Beach RC & D Councils Revised 0 'S/21 /02 9 APPENDIX A Form 1 : Application for Cost Share ( Complete a separate application for each grove/block) Owner' s Name : Business Name : Mailing Address : Street Address : Business Phone : Email Address : Grove Name : Block Number : Acreage : Check the boxes below to indicate which practices you are requesting cost-share assistance for this grove/block . ❑ IR- 1 Aquatic Weed Barrier ❑ IR-2 Chemigation Infrastructure ❑ IR- 3 Conversion to Flash Board Riser Water Control Structure ❑ IR-4 Conversion to Low Volume Irrigation System ❑ IR - 5 Grade Stabilization ❑ 1R-6 On -site Water Detention/Retention ❑ IR - 7 Permanent Agrichemical Mixing Facility ❑ IR - 6 Portable Agrichemical Mixing Station ❑ IR- 9 Precision Application Equipment ❑ IR - 10 Water Table Observation Well INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED . Revised 03121 /02 10 APPENDIX B - Request for Cost-Share Reimbursement Revised 03/21 /02 11