Approve the Cooperative Funding Agreement Among Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), Ecosphere Restoration Institute, Inc., and Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) for the Stewart Middle School Shoreline Restoration Project (W399) (Student Services and Federal Programs Division)

SWFWMD awarded $50,000 to HCPS for the restoration of five hundred feet of shoreline located between Stewart Middle Magnet School, Just Elementary School, and Blake High School. The site is currently dominated by non-native vegetation and is experiencing erosion issues. The restoration plan was developed in concert among SWFWMD, HCPS, and Ecosphere Restoration Institute, a not-for-profit organization. Activities include removal/recycling of all non-native vegetation, restoration/enhancement of the river bank by grading, adding rip rap, and installing native plant material. A strong educational component will benefit students at Stewart Middle Magnet, Just Elementary, and Blake High, as well as nearby Dunbar Elementary and MacFarlane Magnet Schools. Students will have the opportunity to observe the restoration and participate in planting events, as well as study conditions of the river habitat and the ecosystem. The project will result in shoreline enhancement creating upland habitats for this area of the Hillsborough River.

The parties anticipate the total cost of the project will be $100,000. HCPS has obligated $50,000 in matching funds for the project.

HCPS will maintain all documents including reports, drawings, programs and manuals, and specifications. Each stage of the plan will be subject to review of SWFWMD, HCPS, and Ecosphere Restoration Institute.