Placement: Resolutions
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Resolution 24-R29, Florida Inland Navigation District Waterways Assistance Grant FY 2024-2025.
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Submitted By: Kelly Boatwright, Parks Administrator - Projects, Parks & Recreation Department.
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal to enjoy culture, nature and fun activities.
Summary Brief (Agreements/Contracts only)
1. Prepared by: Carrie Wilbur, Manager-CIP, Parks and Recreation Department.
2. Parties: City of Port St. Lucie and Florida Inland Navigation District.
3. Purpose: Reconfigure boat trailer parking at Veterans Park at Rivergate Boat Ramp to allow more accessibility to the boat launch.
4. New/Renewal/Modified: New.
5. Duration: October 2024 - December 2025.
6. Benefits to Port St. Lucie: Increased access to the North Fork of the St. Lucie River, increased opportunities for leisure activities such as walking, kayaking, and canoeing are benefits for which City residents will enjoy, and serves as an outdoor space for people of all ages.
7. Cost to Port St. Lucie (Annual and Potential): $180,000 CIP Fund, $180,000 FIND Grant funding, $360,000 total.
Presentation Information: Kelly Boatwright, Parks Administrator - Projects, Parks and Recreation Department, 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 direction.
Background: Tens of thousands of locals and tourists visit the North Fork of the St. Lucie River each year. Inside the Port District, modifications to the boat trailer parking at Veterans Park at Rivergate Boat Ramp will improve access to the North Fork of the St. Lucie River, and increase opportunities for fishing, walking/running, kayaking/canoeing, bird viewing, and boating. Nearby amenities include a destination river-themed playground, the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens, Historic Peacock Lodge, and other recreational amenities. Once the nearby park construction is complete, the number of visitors to the area, attendees at City events, use of parking spaces, and boat docks will exponentially increase. The City of Port St. Lucie seeks FIND funding to construct The Port District - Reconfigured Boat Trailer Parking at Veterans Park at Rivergate Boat Ramp project. The reconfiguration of the parking will allow more accessibility to the boat launch, achieving maximized connectivity to the North Fork of the St. Lucie River and to all the Port District amenities to create an enjoyable recreational experience for all.
Issues/Analysis: The application for funding assistance was prepared by City staff. The application was submitted by the April 1, 2024 deadline and the resolution contained herein is required to be submitted to FIND upon City Council approval by May 15, 2024.
Financial Information:
The cost for construction of The Port District - Reconfigured Boat Trailer Parking at Veterans Park at the Rivergate Boat Ramp project is estimated to be $360,000. Funding has been allocated in the City’s FY23/24 301 General Fund Capital Improvement Promenade Project program to provide match funding totaling $180,000. The City is requesting $180,000 in funding assistance from FIND.
Special Consideration: N/A.
Location of Project: 2200 SE Veterans Memorial Parkway, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952.
Attachments:
1. FIND (Attachment E-7) and supporting documentation.
2. FIND Waterways Assistance Program Grant Application submission.
3. Veterans Park at Rivergate Boat Ramp site map.
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: 24089-10.
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by Russell Ward, Deputy City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by Richard Berrios, Interim City Attorney.