02D42123

Description:
This action approves funding in the amount of $1,819,600 for Charlotte County 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 Coastal and Heartland National Estuary Program (CHNEP). CHNEP will continue to actively participate in gathering data and supporting modeling and analyses, as well as fund integrated ground and surface water models to improve decision-making with regards to hydrological restoration projects. Currently, these include the South Lee County Watershed Initiative and the Charlotte Harbor Flatwoods Initiative projects. This agreement is supported by funding provided under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) (PL 117-58).

Activities:
Activities include protecting and restoring critical habitats, including wetlands, and addressing challenging issues that threaten the ecological and economic well-being of NEP watersheds and communities; supporting water quality protection and restoration, including Total Maximum Daily Load plan implementation; monitoring and addressing toxics, pathogen loads, and contamination; implementing stormwater management practices that reduce non-point source pollution impacts; promoting the adoption of green and nature-based infrastructure approaches; preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species and/or managing their impacts; developing and implementing nutrient reduction strategies; measuring, monitoring, and increasing carbon sequestration; conducting climate vulnerability assessments, developing and implementing climate change adaptation strategies, and using adaptation tools to promote coastal resilience; and developing and implementing strategies to increase opportunities for disadvantaged communities to access, enjoy, and benefit from surface waters and waterways, participate in ecosystem restoration, and engage in capacity-building or educational activities. NEPs may also use funds to support other activities identified in the CCMP, including projects that build organizational or financial capacity. NEP regional coordinators can answer specific questions on eligible uses.

Subrecipient:
- Charlotte County Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
- Polk County Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
- Pine Island Flatwoods Restoration
- CHNEP Water Atlas - Maintenance and Improvements
- Other climate change vulnerability assessments TBD and restoration projects TBD.

Outcomes:
Outcomes and outputs include stormwater management and non-point source projects, as well as water and green infrastructure which may incorporate the development of adaptation or hazard mitigation plans to address climate change and resiliency. Ongoing collaboration with partners on CCMP implementation, compliance with host agency finance and procurement requirements, and compliance with funders' grant reporting requirements are also expected outcomes. The citizens of Florida will be the intended beneficiaries.

County Of Charlotte

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]

Port Charlotte, Florida 33948 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.