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

W511
Alligator Creek Restoration Project
Project Type SWIM
AOR(s)
Water Quality, Natural Systems
Basin(s) Peace River
Cooperator(s)
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Project Manager POWERS, STEPHANIE
Task Manager(s)
Status Ongoing
Description
This multi-year project is a Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) Program initiative consisting of the
hydrologic restoration of approximately 677 acres of freshwater and saltwater wetland and salttern areas critical to
early life stages of many commercially-important fishes in Charlotte Harbor. The Alligator Creek project is located on a
1,600 acre site that is owned by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and is located south of
Punta Gorda abutting Charlotte Harbor. The restoration activities are being performed in phases based on available
funds. The current phase (Phase II) includes construction of Projects 1-A, 3, 10, 11 and 16. Project 16 will be
constructed concurrently with the other projects, but under a separate agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers (USACE).
Benefits
Completion of Projects 1-A, 3, 10, 11 and 16 would restore the historic hydroperiod and associated coastal habitats to
approximately 600 acres of wetland and salttern areas which have been severely impacted by anthropogenic activities.
Projects 5, 6, 8, 13 and 14 would restore an additional 77 acres of coastal ecosystems.
Costs
The construction contract for projects 1-A, 3, 10, and 11 is for $1,000,750.86. The funding agreement with the
USACE for Project 16 is for $615,384.62, of which the District is to contribute $215,384.62. It is anticipated that
additional funding during future fiscal years will be necessary to meet all construction expenses and District staff will
seek grant funding to help offset construction costs. District funds shown in the table include staff salaries.
Additional Information
Charlotte Harbor is generally viewed as one of the most productive estuarine systems in Southwest Florida. Although
it is appropriately considered a healthy system, problems exist in the areas of hydrologic alterations, water quality
degradation, and habitat loss. The SWIM Plan for Charlotte Harbor focus on management strategies for the Peace
and Myakka Rivers, in addition to Charlotte Harbor proper, to reduce point and non-point source pollution and to
preserve and restore habitat. The objectives of this project are consistent with the SWIM Plan goals.
020 - Peace River Basin 42