Northeast Corridor Greenway Acquisition – Mitigation Feasibility Study Results City Council Workshop June 24, 2014

Strategic Action Plan

Presentation Outline Background: Northeast Corridor Projects Action Plan Project Location Project Benefits Consultant Selection Feasibility Study Results: Feasibility Study Project Objective and Scope Findings Recommendation:

Northeast Corridor

Acquisition Benefits Potential Benefits of Land Purchase Wetland Mitigation – Potential to create mitigation credits for use of transportation and other city projects in lieu of purchasing mitigation credits from a wetland mitigation bank. Recreational Uses - Investigate passive recreational uses of the site to expand connectivity to other lands to expand public uses. Primary Benefits of Land Purchases Cost Savings & Timing – Ability to avoid eminent domain proceedings. Ability to keep projects moving forward with the Interchange project schedule. Floodplain Compensation – Land necessary for completion of Northeast Corridor projects. City control of Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) - Critical component in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and the City’s community rating that directly affects flood insurance rates. Water Quality - Benefits water quality in the Pellicer Creek Basin. Habitat - Expands the existing regional conservation corridor and ecological significance due to the unique linkage to conservation areas to the north and south.

NE Corridor G reenway Acquisition ( NECGA) Mitigation Project Project Site November 19, 2013: Resolution issued to execute a Work Order to Jones Edmunds & Associates, Inc. Project Objective – Produce a feasibility study to guide the City on project costs and timing of design, permitting, monitoring and overall management of the NECGA with a cost-benefit analysis in- mind. Total Project Budget : $150, Cost of Services for Study - $35, $114,722.00

Northeast Corridor G reenway Acquisition (NECGA) Project Today

Wetland Mitigation Potential Existing Target

Wetland Mitigation Potential Existing Target

Wetland Restoration Objectives Existing Target

Wetland Restoration Objectives Existing Target

Wetland Restoration Objectives Existing Target

Recreational Use Opportunities

Recreation / Floodplain Storage Rec. Improvements : $215,500 - $659,000 Floodplain Storage: $32,000 - $60,000

Findings Focus: Feasibility Study identified Alternatives (Options) Integrates input from St. Johns River Water Management District and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers A cost / benefit analysis was conducted for each of the following 1: Required restoration only: 1A: SJRWMD – approved restoration plan 1B: Compensation Plan 2: Optional Wetland Mitigation Program: 2A: Restoration & Enhancements -> 5 credits 2B: Restoration & Enhancements - > 10 credits **Note: Floodplain & recreational elements cost(s) identified separately NECGA – Mitigation Feasibility Study

Analysis included cost estimates for the following: Permitting (if applicable), Design & Engineering Mobilization (includes surveying and “record drawings”) Erosion and Sediment Control (materials and labor) Clearing and grubbing Earthwork (excavation, embankment, grading etc.) Plant material, installation, supplemental planting (if needed) Maintenance of exotic/invasives – Min. 5 Years Compliance Monitoring and Reporting – Min. 5 Years 10% Contingency NECGA – Mitigation Feasibility Study

Regulatory Required Restoration 1B - Compensation Plan:$1.95 M $1.42 M1A - SJRWMD Approved Plan: Floodplain Storage (8.0 acres)

Regulatory Required Restoration Potential of In-House Services 1B - Compensation Plan:$975,500$710,0001A - SJRWMD Approved Plan: Floodplain Storage (8.0 acres)

Staff Summary of Findings Regulatory Required Restoration: Requires detailed engineering and design 1A (Approved = $1,950,000) vs. 1B (Compensation = $1,420,000) Approximately 50% of cost is clearing and ground work Approximately 50% of cost is distributed over a minimum 5-year period 1A is more costly overall and difficult to construct – no permitting required 1B is preferred option to prepare and permit future options for recreation and wetland mitigation credit 1B creates consolidated potential public viewing area and greatly likelihood of success

Findings Focus: Feasibility Study identified 3 primary Alternatives (Options) for action. Integrates input from St. Johns River Water Management District and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers A cost / benefit analysis was conducted for each of the following. 1: Required restoration only: 1A: SJRWMD – approved restoration plan 1B: Compensation Plan 2: Optional Wetland Mitigation Program: 2A: Restoration & Enhancements -> 5 credits 2B: Restoration & Enhancements - > 10 credits **Note: Floodplain & recreational elements cost(s) identified separately NECGA – Mitigation Feasibility Study

Advanced Wetland Mitigation Feasibility 2: Compensation Plan plus Enhancements 2A Generates 5 credits Mitigation Bank Costs: $550,000 Project Expenditures: - $300,000 Savings: $250,000 Wetland Mitigation Bank Credit Avg. Unit Price = $110,000 Floodplain Storage (8.0 acres) Additional Floodplain Storage (2.0 acres)

Advanced Wetland Mitigation Feasibility 2: Compensation Plan plus Enhancements 2B Generates ~ 10 credits Mitigation Bank Costs: $1,100,000 Project Expenditures: -$780,000 Savings: $320,000 Wetland Mitigation Bank Credit Avg. Unit Price = $110,000 Floodplain Storage (8.0 acres) Additional Floodplain Storage (4.0 acres)

Staff Summary of Findings Wetland Mitigation Feasibility Options Requires detailed engineering, design and permitting Agency permitting will establish final credit count vs. cost With exception of potential recreational improvements, property perpetually preserved Ecological enhancements will be of significant value for future attractions Perpetual minimal land management obligation

NECGA – Study Findings

NECGA – Staff Recommendations Staff Recommendations Expand scope of services under current Work Order for professional services with Jones Edmunds and Associates, Inc. to design, engineer, and seek regulatory approval of Option 1B + 2A/2B to generate 5-10 wetland credits inclusive of future recreation opportunities.

Proposed Council Action Adopt Resolution on July 1, 2014 executing an amended Work Order for next project phase with Jones Edmunds and Associates, Inc. Total Project Budget : $150,000 Feasibility Study: - $35,278 $114,722 Additional Services: -$100,000 (Not to exceed Cost Design & Permitting) Budget Balance : $14,000