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Florida Department of Environmental Protection Office of Greenways and Trails 2012 Grant Application (NB)
This item involves a request for the City to accept a grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Office of Greenways and Trails, if awarded, to assist the City in constructing a 150 foot long trail boardwalk at Loblolly Woods Nature Park.
Explanation
In January 2012, City of Gainesville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs staff was notified of a grant submittal announcement by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), with a submittal deadline of March 30, 2012. Prior to the submittal deadline, staff prepared and submitted a grant application proposing the construction of a 150 foot long, 6 foot wide boardwalk, to be constructed on a trail through the Loblolly Woods Nature Park. The boardwalk is needed on this trail since the trail currently crosses a creek which drains into Hogtown Creek. Pedestrian and bicycle traffic on this trail is causing erosion along the creek bank, thereby contributing to poor water quality in Hogtown Creek. A boardwalk will allow the creek bank to re-vegetate, and will also assist in keeping trail visitors off of the sensitive wetland habitat.
Fiscal Note
The total estimated project cost for planning and construction of the proposed boardwalk is $115,000. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection Office of Greenways and Trails grant would provide $92,000 (80%) and the City would be obligated to contribute $23,000 (20%). City funding is currently available in previous capital projects accounts, which can be used for this type of activity.
Recommendation:
The City Commission: 1) approve the request to accept a grant, if awarded, from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Office of Greenways and Trails for a proposed boardwalk at Loblolly Woods Nature Park; and 2) if awarded, authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the grant award a...
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