Wakulla County Restore Act Multi Year Implementation Plan



Wakulla County Restore Act Multi Year Implementation Plan Community Needs AssessmentPrepared by the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and RESTORE ActPreambleWakulla County, Florida is identified in the RESTORE Act of 2012 as a disproportionately affected county and will receive funding directly through the Direct Component Trust Fund. Before receiving funds, the County must develop and submit a Multi-Year Implementation (MYIP) to be reviewed and approved by the Board of Wakulla County Commissioners and the U.S. Treasury. The MYIP takes a holistic planning approach, cross connecting a variety of broad categories based on the RESTORE Act eligible criteria with identified community needs. The Community Needs Assessment was to be developed in the three phases outlined below. However, the County received no input from citizens during the comment period for Phase 2, Gap Analysis; therefore, the Community Needs Assessement reflects only the efforts of Phase 1, Footprint.Phase 1 - Footprint- The initial analysis began with a review of existing approved state and local documents and plans (see Appendix 3: References) to establish a baseline for the existing footprint. Needs were summarized and presented to cross connect categories with needs. Phase 2 Gap Analysis - Input was solicited during public meetings, workshops, news articles and through the County’s website to identify gaps in the existing footprint. The comment period was from September 19, 2017 though October 6, 2017.Phase 3 - Final Community Needs Assessment - The final analysis provides a comprehensive summary of needs based on the Footprint and Gap Analysis, cross connected with objectives.The County’s Initial MYIP and any amendments will be posted to the County’s RESTORE Act webpage on the County’s website at: .. ReferencesRestore Act CriteriaRestoration and protecting of the natural resources, ecosystems, fisheries, marine and wildlife habitats, beaches, and coastal wetlands of the Gulf Coast region.Mitigation of damage to fish, wildlife and natural resourcesImplementation of a federal approved marine, coastal or comprehensive conservation management plan, including fisheries monitoringWorkforce development and job creation Improvement to or on state parks located in coastal areas affected by the Deepwater Horizon Oil SpillInfrastructure projects benefitting the economy or ecological resources, including port infrastructureCoastal flood protection and related infrastructurePromotion of tourism in the Gulf Coast region, including recreational fishingPromotion of the consumption of seafood harvested from the Gulf RegionCategories:Natural Resources – Needs identified that protect and restore natural resources,Workforce– Needs identified to train and prepare the workforce with the right skills for new or emerging jobs.Business– Needs identified for business development and job creation.Infrastructure and Water Quality – Needs identified for new or improved infrastructure that benefits the economy and/or the environment, including reducing non-point pollution. Recreation - Needs identified for increased outdoor recreation opportunites (infrastructure) and public access for recreational uses, including land acquisition.Tourism - Needs identified that will position Wakulla County as a destination spot. FOOTPRINT: Summary of needs from existing state or local documents and plan cross connected with categories and identified needs. Natural ResourcesIdentified NeedsRestore and increase reef fish habitatRestore and increase oyster beds and oyster productionProtect coastal lands and waters Restore and protect beachesWorkforceIdentified NeedsPrepare and support Wakulla’s current workforce to meet current or emerging business demandsJob creation through new or expanded businessesCertification programs for high school students for demand jobs not requiring college educationBusinessIdentified NeedsCertified business cites for new or expanding businessQualified, trained workforceInfrastructure, i.e., sewer, water, roadsInfrastructure and Water QualityIdentified NeedsImprovements to roads and culverts storm water management and erosion controlCoastal roads paving or resurfacing Sidewalks or multi-use paved pathsSeptic to sewer WWTP expansions and improvements Storm water facilities and management Transportation improvements and expansions RecreationIdentified NeedsCoastal bike trails, trail heads and amenitiesCoastal boat ramp improvements, repairs and enhancementsCoastal park improvements, repairs and enhancementsNew and improvements to existing recreational parks for youth and adult sportsTourismIdentified NeedsPromotion of Wakulla’s natural resources and quality of lifePromotion of Wakulla as a “Designation” spotPromotion of Wakulla’s outdoor recreation opportunitiesComments:APPENDIX 1: ReferencesReferenced doucments can be accessed with the website provided or if a website is not avialble, the document will be posted on the County’s website. Wakulla County Board of County Commissioners, “2017 Adopted Infrastructure Plan.” Adopted by the Board on June 17, 2017.Wakulla County Local Mitigation Committee, “Wakulla County Local Mitigation Strategy.” Northwest Florida Water Management District, “Draft Ochlockonee River and Bay SWIM Plan.” Published August 2017.Northwest Florida Water Management District, “Draft St. Marks River and Apalachee Bay SWIM Plan.” Published August 2017. Department of Environmental Protection, “Wakulla Spring Basin Management Plan.” Wakulla County Chamber of Commerce, “Wakulla County EDC Strategic Plan.” Adopted 2016Great Northwest Florida, “Northwest Florida Forward Regional Strategy for Transformation Economic Development.” Published February 2017. Dr. Ed H. Moore, President, “Florida’s Digital Infrastructure & Digital Learning Gap.” Independent Colleges & Universities of Florida (ICUF). Apalachee Region Economic Development Council, “Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2018-2022.” Published in 2017. Website: Wakulla County School District, “Five Year Strategic Plan 2017-2022.“ Published June 2017. website: Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. “Community Redevelopment Agency Redevelopment Plan for the City of St. Marks.” Published August 2008. Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council, “Gulf of Mexico Ecosystem Science Assessment and Needs.” Published April 2012. Website: Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, “State of Florida Artificial Reef Strategic Plan.” Published November 21, 2003. Website: Florida Department of Environmental Protection, “Florida Gulf Environmental Fund: Draft Restoration Strategy.” Published September 14, 2016. Website: dep.state.fl.usCapital Region Transportation Agency, ”Unified Planning Work Program.” Fiscal Years 2016/2017-2017/2018. Revised June 19, 2017. ................
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