SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve Engineer of Record Work Order to AECOM, Inc. in the amount of $185,000 for Cooper’s Point Master Plan Project (16-0026-EN) and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
Body
SUMMARY:
With the purchase of the former Clearwater Christian College environmental lands, the total Cooper’s Point property is approximately 381 acres. The major habitats are tidally influenced submerged lands and mangrove swamps, but additional habitats include coastal uplands, pine flatwoods, and salt marsh.
The project study area includes Cooper’s Point, Cooper’s Bayou, and a portion of the coastal drainage basin adjacent to Cooper’s Bayou.
The Master Plan is part of an on-going effort to improve water quality and restore/enhance habitats in Old Tampa Bay.
Key program elements of the Master Plan will include Environmental, Stormwater, and Parks & Recreation.
The Master Plan will use water quality models, current habitats and stressors, and current sediment composition to determine appropriate strategies for the area.
Goals for the Master Plan strategies will include:
Improve water quality in Cooper’s Bayou which will contribute to improved water quality in Old Tampa bay, including meeting TMDL and NNC parameters,
Improve tidal flushing in Cooper’s Bayou which will contribute to improve estuarine and submerged aquatic habitats,
Improve and protect wetland habitats, which will contribute to improved water quality with the sequestration of nutrients and provide additional defense of man-made resources from tidal influences and storm surge,
Improve wildlife utilization which will contribute to species diversity,
Provide recreation and environmental education opportunities which will contribute to improved public awareness of environmental resources and action to take to protect resources.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
0315-96173-561200-539-000 $185,000 Funds are available in capital improvement project 315-96173, Alligator Creek Watershed Projects, to fund this work order.