Proposals shall be accepted for financial assistance for the removal of derelict vessels within the District’s waterways. The applicable provisions of this rule apply to these applications with the following additions or exceptions:
    (1) Application Procedure – Applications shall be submitted on a completed FIND Form No. 05-01 (Small-Scale Derelict Vessel Removal Program) (effective date 4-24-06), and FIND Form No. 01-06 (Small-Scale Derelict Vessel Removal Program – Project Cost Estimate), (effective date 4-24-06), hereby incorporated by reference and available from the District office. Applications may be submitted to the District and considered by the Board at any time during the year.
    (2) The District shall only fund applicants that have identified derelict vessels to be removed and have a current bid for removal for such vessels, or have completed the removal of such vessels within the 6 months preceding the application, subject to eligibility under these program rules.
    (3) The program must be sponsored by an eligible government agency or not-for-profit organization.
    (4) District funding shall be limited to $75,000 per county, per year, provided on a reimbursement basis only. The limitation on pre-agreement expenses may be waived by the Board in accordance with subsection 66B-1.005(3), F.A.C.
    (5) The eligible applicant must provide the remaining matching funds for project completion. In no case shall the District’s cost-share contribution exceed 75% of the total project costs. In-house project management or administration costs are not eligible costs or matching costs.
    (6) The derelict vessel must be located in the District’s Waterways, as defined in Fl. Admin. Code R. 66B-1.003 The applicant shall include a map clearly delineating the location of all vessels included in the application.
    (7) The District shall be recognized when possible in all written, audio or video advertising and promotions as a participating sponsor of the program.
    (8) The funding provided by the District shall only be allocated for removal of derelict vessels. The District is providing program reimbursement funds only and shall be held harmless with regards to the activities initiated by the applicant.
    (9) The applicant shall be responsible for all maintenance, management, disposal and operating expenses associated with the program.
    (10) Funds derived from the sale of any derelict vessels or vessel parts removed through this grant program must be reinvested into the applicant’s derelict vessel removal program.
    (11) The District Board shall make all final decisions concerning the provision of funding for this program.
Rulemaking Authority Florida Statutes § 374.976(2). Law Implemented 374.976(1) FS. History-New 4-24-06, Amended 4-15-07, 3-25-08, 3-7-11, 1-27-14, 4-4-21, 3-9-23.