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RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE DISBURSEMENT OF UP TO $650,000.00 FROM THE BISCAYNE BAY ENVIRONMENTAL ENHANCEMENT TRUST FUND TO BE USED FOR THE INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE OF MOORING BUOYS THROUGH THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY MOORING BUOY PROGRAM

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WHEREAS, this Board desires to accomplish the purposes outlined in the accompanying memorandum, a copy of which is incorporated herein by reference,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, that this Board, pursuant to Section 24-40 of the Code of Miami-Dade County, hereby authorizes the disbursement of up to $650,000.00 from the Biscayne Bay Environmental Enhancement Trust Fund to be used for the installation, maintenance, and management of mooring buoys located in the coastal waters of Miami-Dade County. These activities will be conducted and overseen by the Restoration and Enhancement Section of the Department of Environmental Resources Management.

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Date:
To: Honorable Chairman Anthony Rodriguez
and Members, Board of County Commissioners
From: Daniella Levine Cava
Mayor
Subject: Resolution Authorizing the Disbursement of up to $650,000.00 from the Biscayne Bay Environmental Enhancement Trust Fund for the Miami-Dade County Mooring Buoy Program

STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Executive Summary
The attached resolution seeks authorization from the Board of County Commissioners (Board) for the disbursement of up to $650,000.00 from the Biscayne Bay Environmental Enhancement Trust Fund (BBEETF) for the installation, maintenance, and management of the mooring buoys in the Miami-Dade Mooring Buoy Program in the coastal waters of the County, consistent with Chapter 24 of the Code of Miami-Dade County (Code).

Recommendation
It is recommended that the Board approve the attached resolution authorizing the disbursement of up to $650,000.00 from the BBEETF for the installation, maintenance, and management of the mooring buoys in the Miami-Dade Mooring Buoy Program.

Scope
The Mooring Buoy Program protects offshore natural and artificial reefs which are important both ecologically and economically to residents and visitors throughout Miami-Dade County. The mooring buoys are specifically located offshore of Commission District 4, represented by Commissioner Micky Steinberg; District 5, represented by Commissioner Vicki L. Lopez; and District 7, represented by Commissioner Raquel A. Regalado.

Delegation of Authority
This item has no delegation of authority.

Fiscal Impact/Funding Source
This resolution authorizes the disbursement of up to $650,000.00 from the BBEETF for installation, maintenance, and management of the mooring buoys in the Miami-Dade Mooring Buoy Program in the coastal waters of the County. The unencumbered balance of the Biscayne Bay Environmental Enhancement Trust Fund as of December 31, 2025, is $9,908,471.94.

Track Record/Monitor
The Manager of the Restoration & Enhancement Section within the Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM), Laura Eldredge, will monitor activities performed using these funds.

Background
The Miami-Dade County Mooring Buoy Program was established in 2009 and expanded in 2023 to provide enhanced boating, fishing, and diving access to our natural and artificial reef resources while protecting those valuable resources from anchor damage caused by recreational boater use. Fifty-four (54) mooring buoys have been placed at 14 popular snorkeling/diving sites from Golden Beach south to the northern border of Biscayne National Park.

The Mooring Buoy Program requires quarterly maintenance by a contractor to ensure the individual buoy systems are in good working order repairing, replacing, or installing anchors, hardware, lines, and buoys as necessary. In between the quarterly maintenance, DERM staff are required to complete interim inspections to clean the mooring buoy assemblies and record the condition and any missing or damaged components are documented to expedite repairs during quarterly maintenance. To properly manage the Mooring Buoy Program, education and outreach is also required to inform the public on mooring buoy benefits, locations, and proper use. These activities are for the sole purpose of increasing the net habitat value of the coastal waters of the County through the installation, maintenance, and management of the County’s ongoing offshore Mooring Buoy Program consistent with Chapter 24 of the Code.

A previous disbursement request was authorized for this Mooring Buoy Program in 2018, pursuant to Resolution No. R-1172-18 for $350,000.00 and has been fully utilized. As such, another disbursement from the BBEETF is necessary for the continued maintenance and management of the program.

In accordance with Section 24-40(4) of the Code, I have received and considered the attached recommendation of the Director of the Department of Environmental Resources Management for the disbursement of up to $650,000.00 from the Biscayne Bay Environmental Enhancement Trust Fund to be used for the stated purposes.

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Roy Coley
Chief Utilities and Regulatory Services Officer