CHAPTER SEVENTEEN PORT ELEMENT

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1 CHAPTER SEVENTEEN PORT ELEMENT Adopted: May 8, 2012, Ord. No A12

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3 I. INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE The purpose of this Element is to quantify the County s efforts to establish a public port within Citrus County. As such, the term Port in this chapter shall refer to Port Citrus, as defined in chapter 311 of Florida Statutes. The proposed location of this port would be along the Cross Florida Barge Canal as shown in Figure Citrus County currently does not have a public port. Florida is located at a crossroad of established north-south and east-west trade lanes with a predicted access to 1.1 billion consumers by the year This provides a distinct advantage within global trading. For purposes of this Element, port will mean any industrial, commercial, and/or recreational marine docking facility, which can meet the needs of Citrus County s residents, commercial establishments, and industrial needs. In 2011, the Board authorized funding to seek legislative change to include Port Citrus within Florida s Seaports. This endeavor was successful and in June, 2011 the Governor signed into law HB 283, which resulted in the inclusion of Port Citrus as a member of the Florida Seaport Transportation & Economic Development Council. The Citrus County Port Authority, established by a Special Act of the Legislature in 1984, is charged with the task of developing the port. The Port Authority has joined the Florida Ports Council and will draw upon the expertise of that organization as well as other public and private organizations to identify the location, infrastructure needs, and potential clientele for development of the port. Currently, the Board of County Commissioners sits as the Port Authority and the County Administrator serves as the Executive Director. II. HISTORY The concept of constructing a canal across Florida dates back to the 1930 s when the Canal Authority of the State of Florida was created. In 1942 Congress authorized construction of the Cross Florida Barge Canal, but it wasn t until 1964 that the US Army Corps of Engineers began construction. A suit by a number of environmental groups seeking an injunction against the construction was filed in 1969 and a preliminary injunction was issued in This was followed by a Presidential executive order suspending further work, which held the project in suspension until deauthorization in At the time about one third of the project was complete, including construction of a canal across northern Citrus County, bisecting the Withlacoochee River east of US

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5 The bulk of the canal property was converted to the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, though a sizable portion immediately west of US-19 remained in private ownership. The property owned by Citrus Mining & Timber, Inc. includes a sizable limestone mining lease and a large barge slip which is utilized for limestone export by barge. The original Ports Element of the Comprehensive Plan was part of Chapter 8 Ports and Aviation Element. The element was adopted as part of the original 1989 Comprehensive Plan. Following the 1996 Evaluation and Appraisal Report, the Port Element was removed from the Comprehensive Plan via CPA Mining activity along the canal has occurred since the early 1970 s. A valid nonconforming use (DD-Z-82-26) was issued in 1982 for mining activity along the north banks of the canal. Mining activity is still occurring through an Environmental Resource Permit issued by the South West Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). In 1999 a cruise ship terminal was permitted as a DRI (99-01), which is east of the barge slip. Though currently not in use, the DRI is still valid. In 2009, a text and map amendment to the Future Land Use Element was filed by the Genesis Group on behalf of Citrus Mining & Timber, Inc. The application(s) served to create the new Port land use district and redesignate 545 ± acres of property north of the barge canal and west of US-19 as Port District. This district encompasses a limestone mine, industrial property, the cruise ship terminal DRI, and other acreage abutting the canal. The request was approved and provides specific criteria to create a working waterfront along the north shore canal. III. EXISTING FACILITIES A. Crystal River Power Complex Progress Energy Florida (PEF) currently operates a private barge canal docking facility at the Crystal River Power Complex. The barge loading area is located on the PEF intake canal. The loading facility is fully connected to the Gulf of Mexico by a 3 mile long channel. The channel has a depth of 21 feet and a navigational depth of 20 feet. There are currently four fossil fuel power plants at the Crystal River Power Complex. They have a 2,341 Megawatt (MW) capacity and utilize coal as their fuel source. Coal is received either by rail or ocean barge/tug. A 460 foot barge carries approximately 14,000+ short tons of coal. 17-3

6 The barge loading facility is also constructed to allow loading of limestone from the adjacent Holcim mining facility to the north of the PEF holdings. PEF and Holcim have a contractual agreement to facilitate this arrangement. Due to the long term life of the Holcim mine and the limited timeline of the agreement, Holcim also has a State Environmental Resource Permit to construct a barge loading facility on the Cross Florida Barge Canal if warranted. The PEF loading facility has the ability to load other raw materials for backhaul including fly ash (a coal power plant residual) and false gypsum (a byproduct of pollution prevention air scrubbers). B. Hollinswood Harbor Hollinswood Harbor is an approved development with a subarea plan that contains commercial, industrial and water dependent uses. Hollinswood Harbor is planned as a working waterfront with marina, resort, recreational, residential, industrial, and support educational/institutional uses incorporated in the Master Plan. Both applications were approved and are reflected respectively within the Comprehensive Plan and the Future Land Use Map. Hollinswood Harbor contains 545 acres including canal bottom, and borders the north shore of the Barge Canal west of the US-19 bridges. Concurrent with the referenced text amendment stated above was a map amendment to designate 545 acres under the Port District land use. Adjacent to the west of Hollinswood Harbor is an active, fully permitted rock mining operation. This mine has been in operation for decades and transports limerock via both truck and barge. Recently limestone boulders were shipped by barge to a restoration project in South Florida. An existing shipping facility dock harbor area connects the mine to the Barge Canal. This existing barge slip serves as the focal point for Hollinswood Harbor. C. Boat Launching Facilities Currently there is a boat ramp on the south side of the barge canal immediately east of the US-19 bridge. In close proximity to this ramp is a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) Marine Patrol office. A larger regional boat launching facility is proposed on the north side immediately west of the US-19 bridge. This project would be a partnership between the State and the County. 17-4

7 IV. FLORIDA PUBLIC SEAPORTS Not including Port Citrus, there are 14 public sea ports on Florida s Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. Figure 17-2 identifies the 14 public seaports which consist of: Port Canaveral Port Everglades Port of Fernandina Port of Fort Peirce Port of Jacksonville Port of Key West Port Manatee Port of Miami Port of Palm Beach Port Panama City Port of Pensacola Port of Port St. Joe Port of St. Petersburg Port of Tampa The profile for each of these seaports is taken from the 2010/ /2015 Five Year Plan to Achieve the Mission of Florida Seaports prepared by the Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development Council, March 2011 and is found in Appendix K. V. ANALYSIS The increase in Citrus County s population has created a greater demand for employment opportunities. A 2004 study by Mr. William H. Fruth with the POLICOM Corporation identified a need to diversify the economic base of the County to reduce the dependence on the retirement industry, which powered the bulk of Citrus County s employment within the services and retail sectors. The prediction proved true in the economic downturn in the mid 2000 s and Citrus County experienced higher unemployment rates than both the national and the state averages. The establishment of a port will serve as a valuable catalyst for industrial and related industries. Population growth generates a greater demand for nonagricultural employment opportunities, and for services and improved infrastructure. Growth has associated cost due to a demand to pay for needed services, such as schools, fire, and police protection. Citrus County officials have recognized this and established an Economic Development Council to support economic diversification through the attraction of industry, which in turn expands the tax base, increases job opportunity, and provides for a more stable economic environment. Economic development advantages include the overall quality of life, developable and low cost land, a top ranked public school system, continued expansion of public infrastructure including utilities and transportation, and a plentiful supply of potable water are all factors that will help support economic development in Citrus County. 17-5

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9 Table 17-1 Population Growth Citrus County, FL Year Population , , , , , , , , , , , ,236 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2011 A 2004 POLICOM study provided a workforce composition comparison for the years 1983, 1993, and That analysis reflects that retail and service jobs increased from 48.7 to 56% of the overall employment within Citrus County over that 20 year period. Table 17-2 reflects that comparison. 17-7

10 Table 17-2 Workforce Composition Workforce Composition Percent AEPW* Percent AEPW* Percent AEPW* Farm** 2.0 3, , ,665 Ag Services 1.5 3, , ,025 Mining , , ,509 Construction , , ,261 Manufacturing , , ,319 Trans, Comm 7.3 3, , ,320 Wholesale , , ,691 Retail , , ,548 Finance, Insurance , , ,647 and Real Estate Services , , ,318 Federal Civilian , , ,986 Military 0.9 5, , ,307 State , , ,730 Local , , ,898 All Workers 12,271 20,731 26,023 Source: Economic Development Goal Setting Study, Policom Corp., April 2004 Notes:* Annual Earnings per Worker = AEPW; ** Farm data lacks reliability The American Community Survey (ACS) Five Year Estimate conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau reflects 51,987 people (16 years or over) in the labor force. This is slightly less than half of the overall population. The analysis reflects 46,583 of that labor force were employed at the time that analysis was calculated. This places the unemployment percentage over 10%. The sector breakout, using a slightly different characterization, still demonstrates a strong dominance of the retail and service industries. It does, however, reflect an increasing percentage in the manufacturing and wholesale trades indicating that the effort of the Citrus County Economic Development Council (EDC) to diversify the economy is succeeding. Table 17-3 below reflects the ACS Economic Characteristics for as calculated by the U.S. Census Bureau. 17-8

11 Selected Economic Characteristics in the Following Industries: Table 17-3 Economic Characteristics, Estimate Margin of Error 46,583 +/- 1,015 Percent Margin of Error 100 (X) Civilian employed population16 years and over Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting, 470 +/ % +/-0.3 and mining Construction 4,847 +/ % +/-1.2 Manufacturing 2,075 +/ % +/-0.7 Wholesale trade 955 +/ % +/-0.5 Retail trade 6,581 +/ % +/-1.4 Transportation and warehousing, and utilities 2,612 +/ % +/-0.9 Information 896 +/ % +/-0.5 Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental, and leasing Professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and waste management services 2,671 +/ % +/-0.8 4,343 +/ % +/-1.2 Educational services, and health care and 10,776 +/ % +/-1.7 social assistance Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and 4,799 +/ % +/-1.2 accommodation and food services Other services, except public administration 3,012 +/ % +/-1.1 Public administration 2,546 +/ % +/-0.8 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, Selected Economic Characteristics; County officials have recognized the importance of expanding the economic base and have worked to improve industrial opportunities through expanded infrastructure, and the establishment of the Economic Development Council to support economic diversification. If economic growth is to occur in Citrus County, jobs must be created in the basic industries (industries that bring money into the area from outside), and this typically means in the manufacturing and related basic sectors (Wilbur Smith and Associates, 1985). The development of a port and industrial park would offer an advantage to Citrus County in its ability to attract new industry and create needed job opportunities. Florida s seaports are economic engines that have significant impacts on local, regional, and state economics. A 2009 analysis by Martin Associates indicate s 17-9

12 that Florida s Maritime Cargo Operations provide 554,347 jobs and $1.7 billion annually in state and local tax revenues. The $734.5 billion of Florida s gross domestic product (GDP) was due to maritime operations and constituted 9% of the state total. This had a statewide economic value of $66.3 billion in Florida seaports moved 2.84 million containers (20 foot equivalent units) in FY 2010 and represented 55.2% of Florida s total international trade. Maritime cargo activities at Florida seaports constituted 3.96% of the total U.S. International trade in The average annual wage of seaport related jobs is $54,000, which is double the average annual wage for other non-advanced degree occupations. This average wage is $15,000 more than the average annual wage for all other occupations. Seaports are also a sound investment to stimulate economic development in general. The Martin Associates study estimated a value of $6.90 worth of economic and transportation benefits to Florida for ever $1.00 in expenditures, resulting in a net present value of $3.6 billion. A more recent study identified a higher yield of $7.47 in state and local taxes at build-out for every $1.00 of state investment. The December 2010 Florida Trade and Logistics Study by the Florida Chamber Foundation which was funded by the Florida Department of Transportation identifies three major opportunities for Florida to revitalize its economy. They are: Capture a larger share of the containerized imports originating from Asia and serving Florida businesses and consumers, about half of which enter the nation through seaports in other states today; Expand export markets for Florida businesses by filling these import containers with Florida goods and using more efficient logistics patterns to attract advanced manufacturing and other export related industries to Florida; and Emerge as a global hub for trade and investment, leveraging it s location on north-south and east-west trade lanes to become a critical point for processing, assembly, and shipping of goods to markets throughout the eastern United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and Latin America. That study further goes on to state: If pursued together, these opportunities could support over 32,000 jobs annually in the trade and logistics sector and generate $3.3 billion in business sales, $2.1 billion in personal income, and $

13 million in state and local tax revenues. If supporting economic development impacts are realized, these opportunities could create up to an additional 111,000 jobs in export oriented industries including advanced manufacturing and supply chain management, and generate an additional $18.2 billion in business sales, $5.8 billion in personal income, and $530 million in tax revenues. These opportunities would transform Florida s economy, adding world class strengths in trade, logistics, and advanced manufacturing to the states traditional strengths in agriculture, tourism, and construction. Florida Trade and Logistics Study by the Florida Chamber Foundation, December 2010 The Florida Chamber Foundation developed a vision for Florida commerce based on three goals: A. To achieve prosperity and high paying jobs; B. To support vibrant communities; and C. To advance global competitiveness. To accomplish these goals the Florida Chamber Foundation created a framework of critical factors titled the Six Pillars. The Six Pillars are: Talent Supply Innovation and Economic Development Infrastructure and Growth Leadership Business Climate and Competitiveness Civic and Governance Systems Quality of Life, Quality Places The Florida Trade and Logistics Study 2010 then goes on to provide a list of recommended strategies, organized by the Six Pillars. Many of these strategies support the development of a port on the Barge Canal. The strategies are provided on the following page: 17-11

14 Table 17-4 Recommended Strategies For Economic Revitalization The Six Pillars Recommended Strategies Expand the capacity of the Florida global logistics workforce and manufacturing workforce through targeted training and educational programs. Identify global trade and logistics as a qualified targeted industry for the state s Quick Response Training and Incumbent Worker Training programs. Talent Supply Expand vocational and associate degree programs to support skill requirements and Education for trade, logistics, and manufacturing industries. Expand targeted programs for global trade, logistics, and manufacturing in the state s four year colleges and universities. Build international business and foreign language skills among Florida workforce. Support the Governor s leadership as the state s chief economic development officer and trade ambassador globally and nationally. Market Florida s advantages as a trade gateway and logistics hub. Identify global trade and logistics as a statewide targeted industry. Innovation and Attract international distribution centers to reinforce Florida s location and cost Economic advantage. Development Provide Support for export oriented manufacturing businesses. Enhance incentive programs for Florida-based distribution, manufacturing, and other export-oriented businesses. Promote policies to support Florida s role in the global marketplace. Develop at least one seaport with 48 feet of water and on-dock or near-dock rail. Expand capacity at seaports to serve container, break bulk, and bulk markets. Maximize the use of inland waterway and smaller seaports. Support acquisition and redevelopment of new waterfront land or inland locations for seaport operations. Infrastructure Provide sufficient air cargo capacity at Miami International Airport to maintain or and Growth expand market share, and explore opportunities for regional air cargo hubs. Leadership Improve landside connectivity to airports, seaports, and rail terminals. Maintain and enhance regional distribution networks. Develop and maintain high capacity, long distance rail, water and truck corridors. Expand distribution center capacity at appropriate locations. Adopt land use plans supporting freight intensive activities. Business Reduce cost of doing business for logistics, distribution, and manufacturing. Climate and Assess potential tax changes to support logistics, distribution, and manufacturing. Competitiveness Harmonize state and federal security requirements. Continue statewide partnership in support of trade and economic development. Civic Strengthen regional trade planning and implementation Governance Represent Florida s interests in federal and multistate trade planning. Systems Provide sufficient and reliable funding for future state investments in Florida s trade and economic development systems. Minimize negative impacts of freight on communities and the environment. Quality of Life, Plan and develop freight systems to reduce energy consumption, improve air Quality Places quality, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Source: Florida Trade and Logistics Study,

15 VI. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS Since the Cross Florida Barge Canal was decommissioned, the canal and those lands adjacent to the canal have been altered from their natural state and reflect pioneer type vegetation that are recolonizing the impacted shores and spoil deposits. Due to the proximity to the coast, colonizing vegetation is dominated by saltbush, sable palms, wax myrtle, red cedar, assorted bunch grasses, fennels, and windborne annuals. Soil compositions adjacent to the canal are predominantly Arents consisting of a mixture of sands and limestone resulting from the excavation of the canal. Over time, erosion by water and wind combined with site manipulation by man and vegetation has resulted in a mixture of loam, sand, and limestone fragments. Due to the disturbed nature of the shores along the canal and its relatively narrow linear profile, wildlife occurrence is predominantly transient and no listed species are site dependant upon the canal and its adjacent uplands. Wading birds, large range herbivores and predators, and small game do frequent these lands for foraging. The canal itself has no littoral shelf to support colonizing emergent vegetation and the canal bottom is not conducive to submerged vegetation colonization. This greatly limits biodiversity, and most aquatic species including manatees utilize the canal infrequently and mostly as an access route to the upper Withlacoochee River. The Manatee Protection Plan (MPP) indicates the West Indian Manatee uses the Cross Florida Barge Canal seasonally for resting, feeding, and for fresh water. In comparison to the other waterways identified in the MPP, port development and use along the Cross Florida Barge Canal would likely have the least adverse impact on the West Indian Manatee population and appears to be consistent with the MPP. The Coastal High Hazard Area (Category 1 Hurricane Evacuation Zone) as identified in Figure 4-7 of the Coastal, Lakes, and Rivers Management Element is about one and one half miles west of US-19. VII. PORT SITE SELECTION A Port Feasibility Study was prepared for Citrus County by Wilbur, Smith, and Associates in July While the site analyzed was never developed and has since been developed as a public park managed by the State of Florida Office of Greenways and Trails, the general siting criteria identified in the report are still valid. They include: Reasonably close to the Gulf of Mexico. Sufficient land area for development

16 A usable port basin area. A dependable and deep access channel (the canal depth and dependability is the best in this region of Florida; the canal depth was measured at 12 feet) Good wind and wave protection (the site is well protected) Utility systems capability (water and sewer can be provided) Tidal/river currents (tidal variation is an excellent three feet and canal current is slight) Port basin flushing (proper flushing is expected from the tidal variation) Zoning and land use Transportation access (excellent access is provided via US-19) Dredging needs (little maintenance dredging is needed in the canal) These favorable conditions still exist and the most likely sites for the port development lie to the west of the US-19 bridge. Recreational amenities provided along the south shore of the canal by the Office of Greenways and Trails further influences selection of a north shore location for the port. The planned feasibility study will refine the size, location, and design of a port facility. VIII. PORT CITRUS MARKET POTENTIAL Port development is influenced by many factors including geography, infrastructure support, local commerce and industries, demand for out of county products, and the economics influencing both supply and demand. A new ports success will begin through the provision of an opportunity to develop/expand to an out of county market or the ability to reduce costs and/or improve efficiency in supplying an out of county product/service to local users. Based on this formula, an assessment of historical commodity flows and an evaluation of current market conditions can identify potential clients for recruitment to port development. A review of local conditions identifies these markets as having the highest potentials. Dry Bulk: Limestone, aggregate The presence of existing mines in close proximity to the canal and the proposed development of the new King Road Mine north of Inglis makes aggregate and limestone products export a high candidate for the port recruitment. Since the cost of shipping is a primary factor in market development, offering the lower costs associated with sea transport can expand markets for local mines. Break-bulk: Timber and timber products Citrus County and the Counties to its north have significant acreage dedicated to silviculture and timber production. As with limestone, shipping is a primary factor in market development, making sea transport an attractive and economic alternative to land based transportation 17-14

17 modes. A new developing market converting timber byproducts into wood pellets as an alternative fuel source is also a viable port tenant. Alternative fuels The close proximity to the PEF Crystal River Power Complex and its transmission network of high voltage lines make the Citrus Port a viable candidate to host alternative fuel production. Regional Supply Distribution Base The growing population of the region increases demand for core consumables such as fuel. Establishment of storage facilities that serve as regional distribution centers can improve delivery times and reduce transport costs. Non-Cargo Markets The Port could support a boat repair yard, barge repair/restoration facility, a commercial fishing fleet, and/or charter boats. IX. INFRASTRUCTURE Potable Water Currently the proposed general location of the port is dependent upon private wells. Port operations will require the installation of regional central water and the preferred approach would be extension of transmission lines from the County s system. The Charles A. Black Water Supply Facility has capacity to meet water capacity, delivery volume, and pressure needs to address use and fire protection. Sanitary Sewer The general location of the port is currently not served by central sewer treatment system. As with potable water, port operations will require the installation of regional central sewer and the preferred approach would be connection to Citrus County Utilities. The Meadowcrest wastewater treatment plant has sufficient capacity to accommodate anticipated wastewater generation. Solid Waste The Citrus County landfill has sufficient capacity to address any additional solid waste generated by port development and operation. Power The close proximity to the high voltage transmission corridors of Progress Energy Florida and a large transmission line of natural gas will provide sufficient capacity to serve any needs of the port. Transportation Roads The port would be in close proximity to US-19, a part of the Florida Department of Transportation s Strategic Intermodal System (SIS). US-19 in the vicinity of the port is operating at an acceptable level of service with sufficient capacity to meet the needs of the port. The recent completion of the US-19 bridge replacement provides a safer corridor for commercial or industrial shipment needs of the port

18 Rail The port has no direct connection to the existing rail system, the Florida Northern Railroad, which operates a Class III rail line serving Alachua, Citrus, Levy, and Marion Counties. The port feasibility study will address the possible connection of the port to the existing rail lines. If additional rail lines are constructed, port activities are not expected to exceed the capacity of the rail lines. Canal Design The Cross Florida Barge Canal was constructed in a linear design on an east to west axis with a 250 foot width and a central channel of approximately 150 feet. The channel has a general depth of 13 feet. Maintenance dredging, if warranted, would be minimal. X. CITRUS COUNTY PORT AUTHORITY The Citrus County Port Authority was created by Special Act of the Florida Legislature in The port authority is composed of the five members of the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners. They operate under the provisions of Chapter 315 FS. The Citrus County Port Authority has the following rights and authority: (1) To acquire land, submerged land and water rights by purchase, gift, condemnation, or otherwise and to hold and dispose of the same upon such terms and conditions as it should deem necessary and prudent and to improve upon such land or lands so acquired in any manner which promotes or has a tendency to promote the public good of Citrus County. (2) To construct wharves, docks, platforms, airports, airdromes, hangars, airfields, hydroplane landing stations, trestles, causeways, fills, bridges, channels, tunnels, jetties, ports, warehouses, shipping facilities via land or water or air, ferries, aquariums, radio broadcasting receiving stations, lighting and water systems, streets, sidewalks, precooling and cold storage plants, and to do all other things incidental and necessary to the enumerated items in order to promote, create, maintain and operate a commercial port for vessels, aircraft, railroad terminals, and facilities for connecting to trunk line railroads. (3) To contract. (4) To take by eminent domain. (5) To sue and be sued in the name of its corporate authority or administrative agency. (6) To prescribe, fix, maintain, and regulate charges, tolls, or rents for the use of any of its facilities by persons or things. (7) To mortgage, pledge, or otherwise encumber any of its property or assets upon terms and conditions consistent with Florida Law. This power should be full and complete in all respects in order to promote, construct, 17-16

19 accomplish, maintain, and operate any of the public purposes or projects herein enumerated. (8) To borrow money and to incur indebtedness by the issuance of revenue bonds or certificates, with or without security, as the port authority may determine. (9) To adopt and enforce reasonable rules and regulations or procedures pertaining to the use, acquisition, maintenance, development, operation, or disposal of and of the facilities or projects herein enumerated, including the right to grant exclusive or non exclusive franchises for all goods and services. (10) To acquire, do and perform all things herein enumerated separately or jointly or in conjunction with or without the territorial limits of Citrus County. (11) To employ secretaries, attorneys, engineers, and other technical assistants and employees as necessary. [Chapter 2.Administration, Division 3.Port Authority, Section 2-183, of the Citrus County Code] Port Citrus pursuant to Chapter 311 FS is eligible for grants from the Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development Council (FSTED). In addition, the Port Authority would receive revenue derived from port operations. Finally, there is the potential to achieve funding through special allocations at either the state or federal level. It is expected that the port will be developed utilizing a public/private partnership process in a phased manner. XI. DEVELOPMENT PLAN The enacting legislation adding Port Citrus to Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development Council provides that a feasibility study regarding the establishment of the port is to be performed prior to July 1, The application to FSTED is evaluated under the criteria of Chapter FS subsection 5 through 9, which reads as follows: (5) The council shall review and approve or disapprove each project eligible to be funded pursuant to the Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development Program. The council shall annually submit to the Secretary of Transportation and the executive director of the Department of Economic Opportunity, or his or her designee, a list of projects which have been approved by the council. The list should specify the recommended funding level for each project; and, if staged implementation of the project is appropriate, the funding requirements for each stage should be specified

20 (6) The ²Department of Community Affairs shall review the list of projects approved by the council to determine consistency with approved local government comprehensive plans of the units of local government in which the port is located and consistency with the port master plan. The Department of Community Affairs shall identify and notify the council of those projects which are not consistent, to the maximum extent feasible, with such comprehensive plans and port master plans. (7) The Department of Transportation shall review the list of projects approved by the council for consistency with the Florida Transportation Plan and the department s adopted work program. In evaluating the consistency of a project, the department shall determine whether the transportation impact of the proposed project is adequately handled by existing state-owned transportation facilities or by the construction of additional state-owned transportation facilities as identified in the Florida Transportation Plan and the department s adopted work program. In reviewing for consistency a transportation facility project as defined in s (31) which is not otherwise part of the department s work program, the department shall evaluate whether the project is needed to provide for projected movement of cargo or passengers from the port to a state transportation facility or local road. If the project is needed to provide for projected movement of cargo or passengers, the project shall be approved for consistency as a consideration to facilitate the economic development and growth of the state in a timely manner. The Department of Transportation shall identify the projects which are inconsistent with the Florida Transportation Plan and the adopted work program and should notify the council of projects found to be inconsistent. (8) The Department of Economic Opportunity shall review the list of projects approved by the council to evaluate the economic benefit of the project and to determine whether the project is consistent with the Florida Seaport Mission Plan. The Department of Economic Opportunity shall review the economic benefits of each project based upon the rules adopted pursuant to subsection (4). The Department of Economic Opportunity shall identify those projects which it has determined do not offer an economic benefit to the state or are not consistent with the Florida Seaport Mission Plan and should notify the council of its findings. (9) The council shall review the finding of the Department of Economic Opportunity and the Department of Transportation. Projects found to be inconsistent pursuant to subsections (6), (7), and (8) and projects which have been determined not to offer an economic benefit to the state pursuant to subsection (8) should not be included in the list of projects to be funded. [Excerpt from Chapter FS] By necessity, development of an application to FSTED is an early priority

21 Tasks expected to be included within the feasibility study would include; Evaluation of the Barge Canal corridor to rank potential port siting locations. Market analysis and forecasting to identify potential port clients. Infrastructure analysis and projected need and phasing. Financial analysis and planning including funding opportunities and budget development. Identifying parameters and specifications for development of a port master plan. The Port Authority can utilize these tools for the port development

22 XII. GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND POLICIES Goal # 24 - Pursue a public port facility to meet existing and future economic, recreational, and commercial needs of the County. Location Objective 24.1 Port Citrus will be located in an area meeting the following criteria: Minimum land use requirements Coordinated efforts with the Economic Development Council Adequate channel depth Reasonable distance from the Gulf of Mexico Reasonable cost of design and construction Policy Port Citrus should be located on the Cross Florida Barge Canal west of US19 based on a Port Feasibility Study. Economic Feasibility Objective 24.2 Policy Policy The Citrus County Port Authority should determine the economic feasibility of a public/private partnership in the development of Port Citrus. The Citrus County Port Authority should provide support to the private corporation in pursuit of Port Citrus development through the use of information and personnel in order to obtain permits and other necessary documentation. The Citrus County Port Authority should coordinate tasks with private sector investors for Port Citrus development to stimulate economic development in the County. Governmental Coordination Objective 24.3 Development and operation of Port Citrus should be coordinated with all appropriate Federal, State, and local agency regulations, including, but not limited to, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Department 17-20

23 of Environmental Protection, Southwest Florida Water Management District, and the Citrus County Transportation Planning Organization. Policy Policy Policy Policy The costs necessary to complete Port Citrus will be submitted for inclusion in the County s Capital Improvement Plan in accordance with the County budget development process. Port Citrus should be operated and maintained in conformance with all applicable state and federal regulations. The Citrus County Port Authority should continue to coordinate with the Office of Greenways and Trails in developing a port plan. The Citrus County Port Authority should continue its intergovernmental coordination efforts with neighboring local governments in planning for the use of barge canal lands. Impact Mitigation Objective 24.4 Policy Policy Policy Policy Development of Port Citrus should be carried out in a manner which is consistent with the goals, objectives, and policies of the applicable elements within the Citrus County Comprehensive Plan. Port Citrus should be designed using Best Management Practices as established by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to mitigate any potential adverse impacts. Port Citrus should be designed to include an access easement so as not to preclude recreational opportunities in compliance with current law. Development of Port Citrus should include a plan to address documented impacts to natural resources. All inappropriate dredged materials should be disposed of in compliance with the applicable regulations

24 Policy Objective 24.5 Policy Contractors at Port Citrus should be responsible for controlling turbidity, siltation, erosion, and impacts on natural resources during construction and operation. Access routes to Port Citrus should be properly integrated with other modes of transportation in accordance with the Traffic Circulation Plan and the Florida Transportation Plan. Citrus County Port Authority should ensure that proper transportation access to the port is provided in accordance with the goals, objectives, and policies of the Traffic Circulation Plan