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

N004
Polk is Florida-Friendly
Project Type Cooperative Funding
AOR(s)
Water Supply, Water Quality
Basin(s) Alafia River, Hillsborough River, Peace River
Cooperator(s)
Polk County Builders Association
Project Manager DURELL, SYLVIA
Task Manager(s)
Status Ongoing
Description
This Polk County Builders Association public education program is a Cooperative Funding Initiative (CFI) project that
provides widespread promotion of Florida-friendly landscaping through educational presentations, demonstration sites
and development and distribution of materials. Components of the program include a brochure and poster that
feature a driving map of Florida-friendly demonstration landscapes throughout Polk County and an illustrated list of
plants most suited to the county. The plant list and demonstration sites will also be included in presentations and a
DVD for use in workshops and community events. Questions soliciting a potential homebuyer's interest in
Florida-friendly landscaping will be added to an existing homebuilders' customer survey. An additional survey will be
created and distributed to the public at events to identify barriers to water-use changes and determine which incentives
might foster sustainable changes. Additional partners in this project include Polk County Natural Resources, Polk
County Utility Department, the City of Lakeland, the City of Winter Haven, the City of Haines City, Polk County Florida
Yards & Neighborhoods program and the Friends of the Parks.
Benefits
The multi-organization program will promote widespread adoption of Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM best
management practices including reducing water use and protecting water quality through proper landscape design,
installation and maintenance. The program is projected to reach approximately 87,000 Polk County residents at a cost
to the District of approximately $.27 per person.
Costs
The total cost of the FY2009 project is $59,480, with the District contributing $23,718 (Alafia River $2,609;
Hillsborough River $3,558; Peace River $17,551). District funds support printing, education materials, travel and
contract services for preparation and implementation of educational programs. The budget lines below include costs
for staff to manage the project.
Prior
Funding
Cumulative FY 2009 FY2010
Transfers Funding Funding
District Budgeted - Ad Valorem Based
Revenue
011 Alafia River Basin 0 0 3,388
0
0 3,388
013 Hillsborough River Basin 0 0 4,337
0
0 4,337
020 Peace River Basin 0 0 18,330
0
0 18,330
Project Funds Not Budgeted by the
District
Polk County Builders Association 0 0 35,763
0
0 35,763
Total:
Future
Funding
Total
Funding
$61,818
Critical Project Milestones Projected Amended Actual
FY2009
Purchase order created 10/1/08 10/31/08 12/8/08
Project plan approved 10/31/08 12/1/08
First quarter report 1/30/09 3/31/09 3/31/09
Second quarter report 4/30/09 3/31/09 3/31/09
Third quarter report 7/31/09 9/1/09 9/1/09
020 - Peace River Basin 318