On April 30, Escambia County closed on the acquisition of approximately 6-acres of property on Olive Road in support of the county’s efforts to improve water quality, habitat and public access to Carpenter Creek. Funding to support the acquisition was made possible by an approximately $2 million Natural Resources Damages Assessment (NRDA) grant secured in 2020 through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
"I’m excited to enhance protection, restoration and recreational opportunities at the headwaters of Carpenter Creek through the acquisition of these six acres on Olive Road, which is our third acquisition for this project,” said Chairman and District 4 Commissioner Robert Bender. “I appreciate everyone involved for their dedication and determination. Working with our partner agencies, the county has made great strides to invest in Carpenter Creek over the years, and I look forward to investing resources to improve water quality and public access to the Creek for years to come.”
The project will improve water quality by collecting and treating stormwater and restoring wetland and upland habitat, helping the county address water quality impairments and comply with regulations governing their state-designated uses.
"We are grateful for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida NRDA Trustee Implementation Group’s continued investment in Carpenter Creek," said RESTORE Program Manager Matt Posner. "Once designed and constructed, this parcel will not only improve water quality and wildlife habitat, it will also provide the first public access to the Creek. Residents can expect to see similar projects proposed and developed as part of the Carpenter Creek and Bayou Texar Watershed Management Plan that is currently under development."
Currently, untreated stormwater discharges into Carpenter Creek. In 2017, Escambia County purchased the approximately 7-acre headwater parcel to prevent further encroachment within Carpenter Creek, improve water quality and develop the first public access to the Creek. The addition of the recently acquired 6-acre parcel will allow for stormwater treatment and habitat restoration.
The restored wetland will improve habitats and species that depend on wetland habitats, stabilize the soils and reduce erosion and sediment loading into Carpenter Creek. The project will also provide and enhance recreational opportunities through the construction of a public park with features including a trail, paddle-craft access, pavilions, signage and parking.
This improvement project will work in tandem with the Olive Road Complete Street Project, with design expected to commence in Fall 2021. This effort is also a companion to the Carpenter Creek and Bayou Texar Watershed Management Plan that is currently under development. Visit restorethewatershed.com for more information.
The county will soon issue a Request for Letters of Interest (RLI) to select a design and engineering firm for the project, with design expected to commence in Fall 2021.
