Community Budget Issue Requests - Tracking Id #930FY0102
Restoration Harris Chain of Lakes
Requester:		Skip Goerner			Organization:		The Harris Chain of Lakes Restoration Council
Project Title:		Restoration Harris Chain of Lakes			Date Submitted:		1/16/2002 11:45:22 AM
Sponsors:		Carey Baker, Hugh Gibson, Randy Johnson
Statewide Interest:
Restoration of the Harris Chain of Lakes.
Recipient:		St. Johns River Water Management District			Contact:		Skip Goerner
		P.O. Box 1429			Contact Phone:		(352) 360-0600
		Palatka 32178
Counties:		Lake
Gov't Entity:		Yes	Private Organization (Profit/Not for Profit):
Project Description:
As direcred by Chapter 2001-246, Laws of Florida, the Harris Chain of Lakes Restoration Council has met and considered the further needs of the Harris Chain of Lakes, in addition to the activities of the agencies currently involved. The current restoration activities are longer term in nature and deal with controlling and removing sources of pollution, removing rough fish, restoring beneficial vegetation and developing a new management program to allow the lake levels to flucutate within a broader range. The Lake County Water Authority, with the assistance of other agencies, including the St. Johns River Water Management District and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, are currently evaluating the costs and methods to deepen canals leading to the lakes to provide access during lower water levels. Additional engineering feasibility, design and demonstration are needed, such as evaluating needs of the lakeshore property owners whose access may be affected by restoration activities. The estimated cost for this additional work is $500,000. An amount not to exced ten percent of the total request to be used for adminstrative costs. The Harris Chain of Lakes Restoration Council anticipates presenting a broader plan and funding request for actions in this basin next November as required by Chapter 2001-246, LOF.
Measurable Outcome Anticipated:
The Council and their Technical Advisory Committee have focused their actions on improving the sport fishery and other recreational and ecomonic benefits. It is the council's conclusion that the resulting economic benefits will complement existing restoration efforts and that these benefits can be achieved in the next three to five years. It is likely that temporarily lowering the lake level will be required to achieve these additional benefits. As a result, lake front property owners, and those on canals may see water levels that temporarily inhibit their access to the lakes. Dredging will provide improved boating access and public support.
Amount requested from the State for this project this year:						$500,000
Identify items(s) in the FY 2002-03 Appropriations Bill to be reduced:
Specific Appropriation #:
Specific Appropriation Title:
Amount to be reduced:			$
Total cost of the project:			$500,000
Request has been made to fund:				Construction
What type of match exists for this project?					None
Was this project previously funded by the State?							Yes
	Fiscal Year:		2001-2002		Amount:		$100,000
Is future-year funding likely to be requested?							Unknown
Was this project included in an Agency's Budget Request?							Yes
	Agency:		Environmental Protection, Department Of
Was this project included in the Governor's Recommended Budget?							Yes
Is there a documented need for this project?							Yes
	Documentation:		SWIM Plan
Was this project request heard before a publicly noticed meeting of a body of elected officials (municipal, county, or state)?							Yes
	Hearing Body:		The Harris Chain of Lakes Restoration Council
	Meeting Date:		1/4/2002