02D41323

Description:
This action approves funding in the amount of $1,819,600 for the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP) to support implementation of the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) and Strategic Plan to improve water quality, protect the natural habitat and living resources, and support sustainable human uses within the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program. The projects proposed for funding via the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) will leverage existing efforts, so that the SBEP will spend BIL dollars on project implementation, rather than the earlier stages of design and permitting. This agreement is supported by funding provided under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) (PL 117-58).

Activities:
Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP) will continue efforts to coordinate efforts among our stakeholders to develop a locally led, scientifically sound water quality and ecosystem restoration program for the bay. To complete habitat restoration efforts at two sites, Fish Preserve Phase IV and GT Bray Park, and to allow the SBEP to continue its long-running efforts to supplement the bay's ecosystem health through the deployment of specially designed artificial reefs. Each project is described below in terms of its relevance to CCMP goals, a summary budget, a brief description of the project, the leads and/or partners involved in the project, and estimated milestones.

Subrecipients:
- Fish Preserve Management
- Fish Preserve Public Education and Outreach
- GT Bray Park Project Management
- GT Bray Park Public Education and Outreach
- Sarasota Bay Artificial Reefs Management

Outcomes:
Results/Outcomes: The artificial reefs would be used to supplement existing reef complexes, therefore permitting is expected to be minimal, requiring only the re-opening of recently expired permits. The reef designs - called 'Deep Covers' - are based on upgrades to previously used molds for cast concrete. Contractors that have previously assisted SBEP in prior reef module production and deployment are available for additional efforts. Pending the availability of funds, the artificial reefs should be constructed and deployed by the summer of 2023. Monitoring the use and usefulness of these deployed reefs would carry on for anywhere between one to three years, depending on the value of additional data that would be gathered. The citizens of Florida will be the intended beneficiaries.

Sarasota Bay Estuary Program

5 - ENSURE CLEAN AND SAFE WATER FOR ALL COMMUNITIES 5.2 - PROTECT AND RESTORE WATERBODIES AND WATERSHEDS

66.456 - National Estuary Program

EPA Region 4: Atlanta [EPA - RO]

Sarasota, Florida 34236 United States

Single Zip Code

EPA-CEP-01

Infrastructure $1,819,600 (50%) percent this Project Grant was funded by the 2021 Infrastructure Act.
Amendment Since initial award the total obligations have increased 100% from $1,819,600 to $3,639,200.