LEGISLATIVE ACTION ITEM
SPONSOR: Ashton J. Hayward, III, Mayor
SUBJECT:
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PENSACOLA AND PERDIDO BAYS ESTUARY PROGRAM INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT
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RECOMMENDATION:
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That City Council approve entering into the Pensacola and Perdido Bay Estuary Program Interlocal Agreement. Further that City Council authorize the Mayor to execute all associated implementing documents.
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HEARING REQUIRED: No Hearing Required
SUMMARY:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency selected a proposal by the Bay Area Resource Council and Escambia County to establish a new Estuary Program for Pensacola and Perdido Bays. The $2 million grant is funded through the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council as part of the RESTORE Act and will be hosted by Escambia County. The Estuary Program will guide the production of a Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan that will be a fully vetted roadmap for achieving publicly identified outcomes and goals for Pensacola and Perdido Bays.
Stakeholders from federal, state and local agencies and the public will develop a long-term plan that will address water quality and living resource challenges and priorities in Pensacola and Perdido Bays. The Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program is a non-regulatory program that will seek to build on existing assets, watershed management plans and scientific data to restore and conserve the environment and the economy of Pensacola and Perdido Bays for generations to come.
The political subdivisions of City of Pensacola, Town of Century, Escambia County, City of Gulf Breeze, City of Milton, Santa Rosa County, Okaloosa County, City of Orange Beach, Baldwin County and the States of Florida and Alabama are entering this agreement as Parties to cooperatively develop and implement the CCMP through the Estuary Program.
The Estuary Program will guide the development and implementation of a Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) to improve water quality and living resources for the Pensacola and Perdido Bay Systems. The Parties agree to work collaboratively and effectively on the development and implementation of the CCMP to meet the follow outcomes:
a) Water quality improvement;
b) Restoration and conservation of habitat;
c) Healthy ecosystems that support wildlife and fisheries;
d) Improve surface and ground water quality and quantity, and flood control;
e) Enhance community resilience; and
f) Revitalize the coastal economy.
PRIOR ACTION:
May 18, 1987 - City Council entered into the BARC Interlocal Agreement
July 22, 1997 - City Council revised the BARC Interlocal Agreement
August 9, 2005 - City Council revised the BARC Interlocal Agreement
FUNDING:
N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact to the City of Pensacola. However, the EPA Grant, hosted by Escambia County will bring $2 million to the area to establish and implement the Estuary Program.
CITY ATTORNEY REVIEW: Yes
10/19/2018
STAFF CONTACT:
Keith Wilkins, City Administrator
ATTACHMENTS:
1) Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program Interlocal Agreement
PRESENTATION: No end