Project Summary

2. Problem(s) addressed (check one or more)

Habitat Restoration/Protection
Wetlands
River systems
Beaches/Dunes
Offshore areas
Mangroves
Assisting Species at Risk
Pollution Mitigation
Non-Point Source Pollution
Other (describe) Education, incentives and regulations needed to address environmental problems from increased population growth and development.

3. Project description (100 words or less)

Hancock county has been experiencing substantial growth over the past decades. This has lead to the creation of certain environmental problems, resulting mainly from urban development. The task before the community is to figure out ways to grow smarter and to grow substantially, all while maintaining the unique sense ofplace and location that is so important ot Hancock County residents. At the same time, the county must contribute to efforts to enhance the water quality in the county.

The focus of this project is related to public health. The objectives are to seek to improve water quality by changing behaviors that cumulatively can contribute to non-point source pollution and impair water quality. The proposal is to begin to change behavior through objectives geared towards education, the development of inentives and finally, working with local and state governments to develop a toolbox of voluntary efforts.

4. Goals/Benefits (quantify where possible using measures of success list) Was a cost-benefit study conducted for this project? yes/no If yes, provide a summary of findings.

There are six main goals of this project:

1. To address methods that the county can most appropiately use to meet upcoming NPDES Phase II permit requirement.
2. Investigate and develop a toolbox of incentives and voluntary programs to improve impaired water bodies and improve water quality
3. Work with local government to revier and enhance the current regulatory toolbox and voluntary programs available to the community
4. Continue projects that bring education into the business community to help business make better choices that enhance the natural environment in Hancock county
5. Become the first Green Community designated in EPA Region IV
6. Realize projects defined in the community assessment underway this year

5. Partners (include each participant's responsibilities - funding, permitting, etc.)

6. Funding/Contributions (organization and amount)

Cash

Federal

Non Federal

State government
Local government
Private industry
Public interest groups

Total $63,800


In-Kind Services (hours, equipment, or other forms of assistance and estimated dollar value)

Volunteers (number of people and hours, and estimated dollar value)

7. Legislative authorities used by each participant

8. Value added by Coastal America Partnership including Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) goals achieved through this collaboration (500 words or less)

9. Project Status

• Initiation date:
• Completion date:
• Current stage (Initiated - I, Underway - U or Completed - C)

10. Contacts

11. Any additional information/comments