MANASOTA & PEACE RIVER BBDs Meeting Notebook 10-21-09.docx

W358
Tom Bennett Park
Project Type SWIM
AOR(s)
Flood Protection, Water Quality, Natural Systems
Basin(s) Manasota
Cooperator(s)
Manatee County
Project Manager POWERS, STEPHANIE
Task Manager(s)
Status Ongoing
Description
This project is in response to a request from Manatee County to restore and enhance approximately 75 acres of
intertidal and freshwater wetland and upland habitat along the Manatee River. Tom Bennett Park is a 180-acre site that
was purchased in 2003 by Manatee County and the Florida Communities Trust. The project plan targets the
restoration of degraded salt marsh habitat and associated coastal maritime forest on adjacent hummocks through
minor regrading, nuisance and exotic species eradication, and supplemental plantings. The creation of freshwater,
ephemeral wetlands throughout the property is also anticipated. The County will be the lead agency for the project.
The District will provide project management oversight of design and construction progress.
Benefits
Upon completion, the project will provide significant benefits to habitat and water quality. The County also plans to
provide passive recreational and educational opportunities to the public.
Costs
The total project cost is approximately $4.4 million, which includes $3.9 million for land acquisition. The County
contributed $1.5 million for the land purchase and has budgeted $260,000 for design and construction. The District's
FY2010 contribution is to be $60,000. At their April 2009 meeting, the Manasota Basin Board approved amending its
FY2009 budget to include reallocated State SWIM funds to cover 50 percent ($30,000) of the FY2010 costs. The
remaining costs ($30,000) are funded by the Manasota Basin Board. The County is requesting $200,000 for FY2011,
which will be awarded upon Board approval. District funds shown in the table include staff salaries.
Additional Information
Since 1950, approximately 50 percent of the bay's natural shoreline has been lost due to development and reduction
in water quality. This resulted in a decline in the aesthetic, recreational, and commercial value of the bay, as well as a
loss of habitat for native plants and animals. The SWIM Plan for Tampa Bay outlines goals to restore habitat
throughout the bay area and reduce pollutant loads entering Tampa Bay. The objectives of this project are consistent
with these goals.
Prior
FY 2009 FY2010
Funding Funding Funding
District Budgeted - Ad Valorem Based
Revenue
021 Manasota Basin 0 0 31,885 200,000 231,885
District Budgeted - Outside Revenue
WMLTF (SWIM) - Prior Year Funds 0 0 31,885
0 31,885
Project Funds Not Budgeted by the
District
Manatee County 0 0 260,000
0 260,000
Total:
Future
Funding
Total
Funding
$523,770
Critical Project Milestones Projected Amended Actual
Contract Development and Execution
Receive Scope of Work from Cooperator 9/16/09
021 - Manasota Basin 49