3-FWC-23132 Recipient Subrecipient Grant Agreement EXECUTEDsmall.pdf

This is a Recipient/Subrecipient Agreement between the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Monroe County for the Monroe County Artificial Reef Construction project for 2023-2024. The agreement provides $10,000,000 in state funding through the Florida Artificial Reef Program to establish a framework for placement, monitoring, and maintenance of artificial reef habitat support structures in Monroe County. The project aims to enhance reef fish habitat by constructing a network of artificial reef structures in state and federal waters offshore of Monroe County, utilizing diverse materials like prefabricated modules, concrete culverts, limestone boulders, steel barges, and vessels.

The funding will be administered on a cost reimbursement basis, with Monroe County competitively soliciting vendors to provide services and materials for planning, permitting, and constructing artificial reef sites. The recipient will be responsible for developing an artificial reef program, creating a five-year management plan, obtaining necessary permits, conducting pre-deployment and post-deployment surveys, and ensuring all materials meet environmental and regulatory requirements. The agreement runs through December 31, 2028, with the potential for extension if both parties agree and funding remains available. Financial consequences are built into the contract, with potential reductions in payment for misplaced or improperly deployed reef materials, and monthly progress reports are required to document project activities and compliance.