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Saltwater Habitat Enhancement: Artificial Reefs |
Call for artificial reef construction and monitoring grant applications for fiscal year 2009-2010 The Florida Artificial Reef Program within the FWC Division of Marine Fisheries Management anticipates the availability of a total of up to $166,667 in state saltwater fishing license revenues for Florida artificial reef related activities. These funds will be made available through a grants-in-aid program for artificial reef construction on a cost reimbursement basis and for science-based biological or socio-economic artificial reef monitoring projects on either a cost reimbursement or fee schedule basis. This year's application form is the same as last year's form, consistent with "The Florida Artificial Reef Program"rule, Chapter 68E-9 FAC. As in last year, a cap of $60,000 is set for an artificial reef project per fiscal year, and any project request greater than $60,000 will require additional information pursuant to Chapter 68E-9.006. Two applications are enclosed with this announcement, one for general artificial reef construction, one for general artificial reef monitoring. Applications for other complex planning, research and evaluation projects must be submitted in a formal proposal describing all details of the proposed project. Only one application for each type of project will be accepted from a given applicant. Eligible applicants include local coastal governments, State of Florida public universities and certain nonprofit organizations (one of whose principle charges as stated in By-laws or Articles of Incorporation is the construction and/or monitoring of artificial reefs), pursuant to Chapter 379.249, F.S. and according to the provisions of Chapter 68E-9 FAC. Other interested entities would need to work in partnership or be subcontracted by an eligible applicant entity. If multiple entities are submitting the same category of application from within the same county geographic boundaries, the highest ranked single project from within the county will be selected for that category. Applications must be received no later than Friday March 20, 2009, by 5 p.m. Artificial reef construction applications will not be considered unless accompanied by documentation of a permitted site valid through June 30, 2010. Any previously unsubmitted Materials Placement Reports (i.e. both grant and non-grant funded) must accompany all applications for all reef construction projects completed by the applicant in FY 2007-08 (as required by Federal artificial reef permit conditions). Grants are awarded on a competitive basis. Due to the limited available funding during FY 09/10, competition for grant funding is expected to be extremely high this year for the anticipated $166,667 funding. Last year $818,029 was requested. The evaluation and ranking of applications is accomplished through a numerical rating process involving multiple independent reviewers and based directly on the provisions of Chapter 68E-9.005 FAC. Applicants should be aware that the FWC requires grant recipients to provide a substantial amount of contract management and project oversight, including direct supervision of all subcontractors. All applicants are strongly encouraged to develop and formulate a long-term plan for the development of artificial reefs in their geographical area and monitoring of their effectiveness. For any additional information regarding the artificial reef grants program, please contact Jon Dodrill, Bill Horn, or Keith Mille at the letterhead address listed below or by telephone at (850) 922-4340. We encourage all applicants to engage in a pre-application consultation with artificial reef program staff prior to your submittal. Notification of conceptual grant awards will take place by June 15, 2009. Confirmation of project funding levels will be known by July 1, 2009. Applications should be sent to the Artificial Reef Program at one of the following addresses: (Mail) (Courier) |
Our mission: Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.
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