THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND GROWTH MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND COMMUNITY RESILIENCE DIVISION RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE MOTION.
This item supports the Board’s Value of “Encouraging investments in renewable energy, sustainable practices and environmental protection” and Goal 1: Seek funding for, implement policies and pursue projects promoting, the use of alternative energy, and sustainable practices; Goal 3: Increase water quality protection efforts and lead creative approaches to water storage and aquifer recharge, as well as diversification of water supplies, regionally; and, Goal 4: Educate the public about the fragile South Florida ecosystems, impacts of severe weather, sea level rise, and climate change, with special emphasis on the coral reef ecosystem.
This item provides for the continuation of the Environmental Partnership Agreement between Broward County and the School Board of Broward County with services delivered via the Environmental Planning and Community Resilience Division in support of joint educational, environmental, and sustainability priorities. The agreement provides the County with reimbursement for technical services, staff training, and educational programming delivered under the auspices of the Water Matters and NatureScape Broward program and encompassing diverse environmental issues consistent with the County-wide Integrated Water Resources Plan. The agreement includes a detailing of deliverables and a reimbursement schedule. The agreement itself is for an initial one-year term with the option for four one-year renewals.
The original partnership agreement was first established in 2007 and renewed in 2012. During the last ten years, this collaborative agreement has produced a variety of new, award-winning initiatives (such as the P3 Eco-Challenge) addressing evolving environmental priorities (including climate change mitigation and adaptation). This current agreement provides for the continued implementation of the P3 Eco-Challenge; development of new programs, tools, and teacher trainings; the coordination of a Youth Climate Summit; NatureScape presentations in the schools; training for school support personnel; certification of NatureScape properties; Water Matters Day partnerships; irrigation system evaluations; water audits within schools; and administration of the agreement.
The Environmental Planning and Community Resilience Division is responsible for developing and implementing county-wide water resource management, water conservation, water quality protection programs and environmental education and outreach. Through the County's Water Matters and NatureScape Broward programs staff provides education to students, teachers, and school personnel about the relationship between the Everglades, urban water resources, and our coastal environment with training in best management practices that protect water quality and improve water resource management as well as conducting irrigation evaluations on school properties. This agreement builds upon the established partnership agreement between the County and the School Board of Broward County. It provides for an initial one year term, renewable solely at the discretion of SBBC.
Revenues associated with this interlocal agreement support two and one-half grant positions to meet the terms of the interlocal agreement with SBBC. These positions directly support the joint objectives of both agencies, to promote greater environmental stewardship and sustainability, through the education of our youth in conservation and natural resource protection.
This agreement has been provided legal review and approval as to form by the County Attorney’s Office.
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