Lee Board of County Commissioners voted Dec. 3 to accept a $22.7 million Resilient Florida Grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for the design and construction of the Larry Kiker Preserve Water Management Project Phase 1. County officials said the project plan is to restore flow ways, protect habitat, improve regional flood control, improve water quality and enhance aquifer recharge.
The grant requires a 50/50 cost share. The county met local match requirements from the initial $42 million purchase of the preserve lands.
The site contains natural flow ways, given its location at the confluence of Estero River, Halfway Creek and Imperial River. Restoration through site improvements is intended to provide enhanced water quality, flood attenuation and aquifer recharge, as well as protect a significant, diverse population of wildlife and plant communities. It also would provide opportunities for nature-based recreation in the southern part of the county.
