This item furthers the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau’s mission of promoting tourism, marketing Broward County as a desirable tourist and convention destination, and representing the County as a regional, national, and international destination.
The City of Deerfield Beach (“City”) is planning to construct a recreational nearshore artificial reef and is seeking the County’s financial support. The City has committed $200,000 to this project and has received a grant through Florida Sea Grant in the amount of $30,000.
Snorkeling and scuba diving are ecotourism activities that provide environmental education, are nature-based, and can be sustainably managed. The artificial reef would serve as a conduit for education by enhancing public interest in marine ecosystems and thus increasing awareness of marine-related issues, both locally and globally. The artificial reef would also enhance local economies by making the public beach more attractive to tourists and locals alike, thereby resulting in higher parking fee revenues and increased local hotel, restaurant, and business use, including for dive-related businesses. Economic studies suggest that for every dollar invested in artificial reefs, there is an estimated four dollar return on investment.
If approved, this item would authorize the County Administrator to approve and execute, subject to approval as to legal sufficiency by the Office of the County Attorney, an agreement with the City for up to $150,000 to help fund the construction costs of the artificial reef.
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