TO: Board of County Commissioners
THROUGH: John A. Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator
Kylie Yanchula, Natural Resources Director
FROM: Eric Charest, Assistant Director Natural Resources Department
DATE: November 3, 2025
SUBJECT: Notice of Application for Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program
Grants for Various Projects
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BACKGROUND
On September 12, 2025 the County received notification from the Indian River Lagoon Council that the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program (IRLNEP) is seeking grant proposals for its FY 2027 grant program. Grants for various project categories are available: (1) Water Quality Restoration Projects ($300,000 funding available); (2) Habitat Restoration Projects ($100,000 funding available); (3) Community-Based Restoration Projects ($75,000 funding available); and (4) Science and Innovation Projects ($150,000 funding available).
ANALYSIS
Multiple Departments within the County are currently evaluating projects and/or potential projects to determine their applicability for applying for the FY 2027 IRLNEP Cost-Share grants. Cost Share percentages under the IRLNEP Grants range from a requirement of a 25% to 50% matching County funds depending on the grant category. Local funding for the matching requirement will be determined by each County Department based on the project grant application being submitted.
The purpose of this agenda item is to request approval from the County Commission for various Departments within the County to apply for applicable grants under the current IRLNEP grant solicitation. The main purpose of the IRLNEP grants is to fund projects that will improve the health of the Indian River Lagoon.
2027 Grant Proposal Schedule
September 12, 2025 - IRLNEP Grant Proposal Notification
December 12, 2025 - Proposals due
If awarded, the grant agreement(s) will be presented to the Board for final funding approval and grant execution.
BUDGETARY IMPACT
Estimated costs for these projects are in development. Local match requirements for the grants vary from 25% to 50% percent of the project cost and will be identified by the respective Department during the application process in consultation with the Office of Management and Budget. If awarded, the grant agreement(s) will be presented to the Board of County Commissioners for final funding approval and grant execution.
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTIONS
Prior year grant awards from the IRLNEP have been brought before the Board for approval.
POTENTIAL FUTURE BOARD ACTIONS
If awarded a grant under the FY 2027 IRLNEP Grant solicitation, the respective Department will bring the grant award to the Board for consideration and approval.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
Environment
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff requests authorization to submit grant application packages to the IRLNEP for applicable projects as determined by the respective Departments. Staff also requests the Board authorize the respective Department Director the ability to sign the grant applications after review by the County Attorney's office for legal sufficiency, if required, with the understanding that any award of grants would come before the Board for final approval.