Grant_Agreement&Mod_FWC-21365.pdf

This document is a Recipient/Subrecipient Agreement between the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Escambia County Board of County Commissioners for the Escambia NRDA Artificial Reef Construction project for 2021-2022. The project aims to construct multiple artificial reef complexes by deploying prefabricated modules, concrete culverts, riprap, road barriers, limestone boulders, and other suitable secondary use materials within approved permitted areas in Florida state waters offshore of Escambia County. The total available funds for this project are $1,500,000, with the grantee required to competitively solicit vendors to provide services and materials for creating artificial reefs. The agreement is effective upon execution and will remain in effect through 06/30/2026, with the potential for retroactive start dates up to sixty days prior.

The funding for this project comes from the Florida Artificial Reef Program (CSFA No. 77-007) for the 2021-2022 state fiscal year, specifically as part of the Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) Phase III Early Restoration Plan related to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. The project is designed to augment marine hard bottom habitat, provide near-shore recreational fishing and diving opportunities, reduce pressure on natural reef sites, and create additional recreational fishing and diving locations in the Gulf of Mexico. Reimbursement will be made on a cost reimbursement basis, not to exceed $1,500,000, with invoices to be submitted monthly and accompanied by supporting documentation. The artificial reef materials must be clean, free from contaminants, and deployed in accordance with specific guidelines and permit requirements.