Placement: Resolutions
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Resolution 23-R47, Florida Inland Navigation District Waterways Assistance Grant FY 2023-2024
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Submitted By: Kelly Boatwright, Parks Administrator - Projects, Parks & Recreation.
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal to enjoy culture, nature and fun activities.
Presentation Information: Andrina Nobili, PSLPRD Project Coordinator, will provide a presentation, if requested.
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council approve the Florida Inland Navigation District Waterways Assistance Grant Resolution.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and approve the resolution.
2. Move that the Council not approve the resolution and provide staff additional direction.
Background:
In 2017, the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) approved the City of Port St. Lucie's Riverwalk Extension Project at Westmoreland Riverfront Park (now called The Port District) as a multi-year project pursuant to Rule 66(B)-2.005 (4). The North Fork of the St. Lucie River is a state aquatic preserve that runs through Port St. Lucie and merges with the Indian River Lagoon and the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) before flowing out the St. Lucie Inlet to the Atlantic Ocean. There is an existing Riverwalk Boardwalk that stretches 2,453 feet from Tom Hooper Park (behind Walgreens at Port St. Lucie Boulevard and Veterans Memorial Parkway) to the boat ramps and pavilion at Veterans Park at Rivergate. This Riverwalk Boardwalk also extends south to the Westmoreland Riverfront Park area, a 43-acre recreational space located along the North Fork of the St. Lucie River that also includes the City's Botanical Gardens and other amenities currently under construction that will feature a destination playground, additional boardwalk connections, canoe/kayak launches, and an overwater stage with tiered seating.
The City of Port St. Lucie seeks FIND funding to construct The Port District Preserve Upland Trails - River Boardwalk South Connection. The development of preserve trails and a Citywide trails system is a key component of the City of Port St. Lucie’s 10-Year Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The Port District’s Preserve Trail will traverse a conservation tract and have natural viewpoints within the upland trail area and of the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. These trails will also connect the 13-acre Preserve to an adjacent 10-acre recreation area of The Port District, which has a riverside boardwalk that provides access to the North Fork of the St. Lucie River, an iconic banyan tree, the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens, the historic Peacock House and Peacock Lodge, and newly constructed recreational amenities. A summary of past FIND funding is provided below.
FY 2017/18 - $69,702 for Riverwalk Boardwalk Part 1 Construction (SL-PSL-17-62)
FY 2018/19 - $400,000 for Riverwalk Boardwalk Extension Part 2 (SL-PSL-18-64)
FY 2019/20 - $400,000 for Riverwalk Park Boardwalk Extension Phase IIa (SL-PSL-19-66)
FY 2020/21 - $36,000 for Rivergate Canal Boat Ramp Dredging Phase I (SL-PSL-20-68)
FY 2021/22 - $235,850 for Boardwalk Under Port St. Lucie Blvd Bridge Phase IIb (SL-PSL-21-71)
FY 2022/23 - $225,100 for Boardwalk Under Port St. Lucie Blvd Bridge Phase IIb - Part2 (SL-PSL-22-74)
Future phases of The Port District project to be constructed include additional dockage in the Rivergate Canal area (under design), a connecting segment under the Port St. Lucie Blvd. bridge (in Procurement), and upland trails within the preserve tract to the south that will connect to the southernmost portion of the river boardwalk. These improvements will continue to enhance public access to the river, river-related recreation, and promote environmental education. Additional projects were identified as part of The Port District Master Plan and prioritized by City Council at their 2022 Winter Retreat. The City anticipates continuing to partner with FIND on project elements specifically designed to connect people with Florida’s waterways.
Issues/Analysis: The application for funding assistance was prepared in collaboration with the consultant and City staff. The application was submitted by the March 27, 2023, deadline and the resolution contained herein is required to be submitted to FIND upon City Council approval.
Financial Information: The cost for the construction of the Port District Preserve Upland Trails - River Boardwalk South Connection is estimated to be $1,800,000. For FY 2023-24, the City is requesting $400,000 in funding assistance from FIND. Funding has been included in the City’s Capital Improvement Project program listing for several years.
Special Consideration: N/A
Location of Project: The project is located off Westmoreland Blvd. on the southernmost tract of The Port District.
Attachments: Florida Inland Navigation District Resolution 22-R__ (Attachment E-7) and supporting documentation.
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: 9926
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by Camille Wallace, Deputy City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by James D. Stokes, City Attorney.