RULE NO: RULE TITLE
68-1.003: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Grants Program
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose and effect of the proposed rule development is to incorporate the Nongame Wildlife, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute and the Florida State Wildlife grants programs’ application forms by reference for consistency with Chapter 120, F.S. Additionally, we plan on adding the Derelict Vessel Removal Grant Program rule language, in full, to move it from the current location in Rule 68D-16.029, F.A.C. to Rule 68-1.003, F.A.C., for consistency and ease of location, and subsequently repealing the language in Rule 68D-16.029, F.A.C. Finally, we will be amending specific State Wildlife Grant program guidelines that are incorporated by reference into the overall rule on the issuance of agency grants. The amendment will update the date of the guidelines referenced in the rule from March 2007 to September 2008. These guidelines are being changed to clarify the existing application process by making a few technical clarifications, eliminating the preliminary review option for grant applications, clarifying (but not changing) the partial prohibition on the use of indirect costs as matching funds by more simply stating that the program does not allow them to exceed more then 15% of the salary request per fiscal year, and a statement explaining to applicants that when planning a project time frame they must build into it enough time for completion of the draft and final reports without requiring an amendment for additional time, as such an amendment could be considered a late deliverable when reviewing future applications. These changes reflect the Program’s progress and development within the agency.
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Grant Program Guidelines for the Florida’s State Wildlife Grants Program, incorporated by reference, and Derelict Vessel Removal Grant Program.
SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: Article IV, Section 9, Fla. Const. 376.15, 379.106 FS.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: Article IV, Section 9, Fla. Const. 376.15, 379.106, 823.11 FS.
IF REQUESTED IN WRITING AND NOT DEEMED UNNECESSARY BY THE AGENCY HEAD, A RULE DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP WILL BE NOTICED IN THE NEXT AVAILABLE FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE WEEKLY.
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT, IF AVAILABLE, IS: Florida’s State Wildlife Grants Program: Brian Branciforte, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 620 S. Meridian Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399, telephone: (850)488-3831, email brian.branciforte@myfwc.com. Derelict Vessel Removal Grant Program: Tim Woody, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 620 S. Meridian Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399, telephone: (850)410-0656, ext. 17173, email tim.woody@myfwc.com

THE PRELIMINARY TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT IS AVAILABLE AT NO CHARGE FROM THE CONTACT PERSON LISTED ABOVE.