October 13, 2016

Commissioners Continue Project Selection Discussion
and Review Risks Versus Benefits Analysis from Staff
(Committee of the Whole)

At this meeting, staff gave a presentation on the six Direct Component project nominations received to date.

1. Carpenter Creek & Bayou Texar Economic & Environmental Revitalization Plan
2. Project Universal Access
3. Perdido Key Gulf of Mexico Beach Access
4. Perdido Key Multi-Use Path
5. OLF8 Commerce Park Improvements

6. South Dogtrack Drainage- Coral Creek, Hampton Lake, Three Waters Green (aka, Mariner Village), Liberty Church

Two commissioners had not yet submitted their nominations. The presentation consisted of first, an overview of the projects selected, and second, the risks versus benefit analysis for each project. The risk analysis process done by staff and results were explained. The process involved many different departments and permitting agencies. The results were based off of the applicants draft conceptual designs so it was stressed that many of these risks could easily be mitigated once planning & design phases have been implemented.

The board agreed that the risk versus benefit analysis process was successful and provided enough information to select projects. However, until the other two commissioners submitted their projects, they would not be able to move forward. Staff was directed to perform the same analysis on the remaining four projects once they were submitted. Then the board would resume discussion on project selection. The goal is to continue the discussion in November but a date will not be set until after staff receives all of the project nominations.

Once the Board of County Commissioners selects the projects to receive RESTORE Direct Component funding, the county will draft a Multi-Year Implementation Plan and initiate a 45-day public comment period. Public input will be reviewed and necessary updates will be made before the MYIP is submitted to the U.S. Treasury Department for final review and acceptance.

August 11, 2016

Commissioners Discuss Project Selection (Committee of the Whole)

At the meeting, staff gave a presentation to the Board of County Commissioners regarding RESTORE Direct Component Project Selection and Multi-Year Implementation Plan. This presentation reviewed the requirements by the U.S. Treasury and timeline for writing the Multi-Year Plan. It also went over the funding allocations for Escambia County and future steps. Additionally, staff recommended a process establishment that compares to the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council methodology. This process was to invest Direct Component (Pot 1) funds into planning & design and to search for leveraging funds for construction and implementation projects. This method would provide foundational, shovel ready projects and better improve chances for receiving leveraging funds.  

The board agreed to undertake this methodology, but with the understanding that enough money would be saved to complete implementation of chosen project(s) if leveraging funds could not be secured. Each commissioner was to provide staff with their top two RESTORE Direct Component project nominations. Staff was then directed to provide a risk analysis and perform additional project vetting before a final vote was taken and to discuss again at the October 13^th Committee of the Whole.

April 7, 2016

Advisory Committee Presentation of Project Rankings to Commissioners (Committee of the Whole)

The Escambia County RESTORE Act Advisory Committee presented the project rankings to the board on Thursday, April 7 at the 5:30 p.m. The board accepted the recommendation package, congratulated & thanked the RESTORE Advisory Committee on their hard work and dedication for completing their tasks. At the next Board of County Commissioners meeting, the RESTORE Advisory Committee was sunset per the committee’s request.