RESTORE ACT Direct Component Multiyear Plan Matrix — Department of the Treasury 

Applicant Name: Walton County 

1. MULTIYEAR PLAN VERSION (INITIAL OR AMENDMENT NUMBER): 1 2a. DATE OF INITIAL MULTIYEAR PLAN ACCEPTANCE (mm/dd/yyyy): 8/17/2017 2b. DATE OF LAST MULTIYEAR PLAN 3. CUMULATIVE DIRECT COMPONENT ALLOCATION AVAILABLE FOR DISTRIBUTION TO APPLICANT: $10,071,526.75 4. TOTAL ALLOCATIONS PLUS KNOWN FUNDS NOT YET DEPOSITED IN TRUST FUND FOR D5. Primary Direct Component Eligible Activity Further Described in Application (Static Field) 

6. Activity Title (Static Field) 7. Location (Static Field) 

8. Estimated Total Funding Contributions For Proposed Activity(ies)(refer to Instructions) 9. Proposed Start Date 

mm/dd/yyyy 

8a. Direct Component Contribution 

8b. Other RESTORE Act Contribution 

8c. Other Third Party Contribution 

8d. Total Contribution 

Promotion of tourism in the Gulf Coast Region, including recreational fishing 

Walton County Artificial Reef Construction -Miramar/Frangista 

Miramar Beach, FL - Gulf of Mexico 

$95,121.00 $0.00 $95,121.00 11-2017 

Restoration and protection of the natural resources, ecosystems, fisheries, marine and wildlife habitats, beaches, and coastal wetlands of the Gulf Coast Region 

Student-led Habitat Restoration in Walton County 

Multiple locations - Miramar Beach, FL; Santa Rosa Beach, FL 

$113,300.00 $0.00 $0.00 $113,300.00 11-2017 

Restoration and protection of the natural resources, ecosystems, fisheries, marine and wildlife habitats, beaches, and coastal wetlands of the Gulf Coast Region 

Plant Removal and Habitat Restoration in Walton County 

Grayton Beach, FL $113,300.00 $0.00 $0.00 $113,300.00 11-2017 

Promotion of tourism in the Gulf Coast Region, including recreational fishing 

Artificial Reef Deployment and Monitoring 

Multiple locations in Gulf of Mexico - Miramar Beach, FL; Santa Rosa Beach, FL; Seaside, FL 

$472,461.00 $0.00 $1,735,881.97 $2,208,342.97 11-2017 

Planning assistance City of Freeport Stormwater 

Master Plan and Capital Improvement Strategic Plan Update 

Freeport, FL $135,960.00 $0.00 $0.00 $135,960.00 11-2017 

Planning assistance Identifying Water Quality 

Impairments for Lagrange Bayou, Black Creek, and Choctawhatchee Bay 

Freeport, FL $141,625.00 $0.00 $0.00 $141,625.00 11-2017 

Promotion of tourism in the Gulf Coast Region, including recreational fishing 

Muscogee Nation of Florida Micro Farm Agritourism Project 

Bruce, FL $543,840.00 $0.00 $0.00 $543,840.00 11-2017 

Planning assistance County Road 30A Intermodal 

Transportation Innovation Program (ITIP) 

Seaside, FL $135,960.00 $0.00 $0.00 $135,960.00 11-2017 
Planning assistance Old Town Santa Rosa TMDL 

Water Quality Restoration - Phase I 

Santa Rosa Beach, FL $594,506.37 $0.00 $0.00 $594,506.37 11-2017 

Infrastructure projects benefitting the economy or ecological resources, including port infrastructure 

Coastal Dune Lakes Hydrologic Restoration Project 

Multiple locations in Grayton Beach, FL 

$1,175,396.16 $0.00 $0.00 $1,175,396.16 11-2017 

Coastal flood protection and related infrastructure 

Walton County Stormwater Projects - Western Lake Basin, Allen Loop Road, Golf Club Drive, and Mack Bayou Road Drainage Improvements 

Multiple locations - Miramar Beach, FL; Santa Rosa Beach, FL 

$1,811,926.00 $0.00 $0.00 $1,811,926.00 11-2017 

Coastal flood protection and related infrastructure 

Walton County Stormwater Projects - Palmetto Road and Bay Grove Road Drainage 

Multiple locations - Freeport, FL 

$922,596.00 $0.00 $0.00 $922,596.00 11-2017 

Planning assistance Planning Assistance for Future 

MYIP Revisions 

County-wide (Walton County, FL) 

$215,400.00 $0.00 $0.00 $215,400.00 11-2017 

Planning assistance Sustainable Economic Matrix 

and Master Plan 

Defuniak Springs, FL $112,877.39 $0.00 $0.00 $112,877.39 06-2019 

$0.00 $0.00 $0.00 
$0.00 

$0.00 

12. ESTIMATED TOTAL FUNDING CONTRIBUTIONS FOR ACTIVITY(IES) (refer to Instructions) $6,584,268.92 $0.00 $1,735,881.97 $8,320,150.89 

Please note: Grant awards may estimated funding. 

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 1505-0250. Comments concerning the time re

review instructions, search existing data resources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information, should be directed to the Department of the Treasury, Office of Gulf Coast Restoration, 1500 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, 
 

 

 

RESTORE ACT Direct Component Multiyear Plan Narrative 

Department of the Treasury 

OMB Approval No. 1505-0250 

Directions: Use this form for the Initial Multiyear Plan and any subsequent amendments to an accepted Multiyear 

Plan. For amendments, include only new and/or materially modified activities. 

Multiyear Plan Version (Initial or Amendment Number): Amendment - 01 

Date of Initial Multiyear Plan Acceptance: 8/17/2017 

Date of Last Multiyear Plan Acceptance: 8/17/2017 

Eligible Applicant Name: Walton County 

Name and Contact Information of the Person to be contacted (POC) on matters concerning this Multiyear Implementation Plan: 

POC Name: Melinda Gates 

POC Title: Coastal Resource Liaison 

POC Email: gatmelinda@co.walton.fl.us 

POC Phone: (850)892-8108 

NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION: 

1. A description of each activity, including the need, purpose, objective(s), milestones and location. Include map showing the 

location of each activity. 

As an update to the Walton County Multi-Year Plan, which was accepted by the Department of Treasury on August 17, 2017, 

Walton County is amending Project 9 (Old Town Santa Rosa TMDL Water Quality Restoration – Phase 1) to include additional 

planning activities and adding one (1) additional projects to the original list of thirteen (13). The new project is a planning project. 

The total estimated funds that will be requested for this project is $112,877.39. These additional projects are described below. 

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The 

valid OMB control number for this information collection is 1505-0250. Comments concerning the time required to complete this information collection, including the 

time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information, should 

be directed to the Department of the Treasury, Office of Gulf Coast Restoration, 1500 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20220. 
Project 9 (Modification): Old Town of Santa Rosa TMDL Water Quality Restoration, Phase I 

A. Description: 

This project will enable the County to conduct a drainage study and develop a stormwater master plan for the area of Old Town 

Santa Rosa. This project will become the foundation for future phases of the project to design, permit, and construct the 

necessary improvements. This Comprehensive Stormwater Master Plan (CSMP) will accomplish the following tasks: inventory 

and map stormwater infrastructure, model stormwater drainage for the Old Town of Santa Rosa area, identify both water 

quality and quantity problems, and prioritize projects aimed at addressing the problem areas. The planning and tasks associated 

with this project will result in a CSMP for the Old Town of Santa Rosa area that will be used for future infrastructure 

improvements benefiting the economy or ecological resources. 

As an amendment to the originally approved project, the County plans to include the design and permitting of Phase 1 of this 

project post the completion of the stormwater master plan. 

B. Eligible Activity: Planning Assistance 

C. Need: 

The Walton County Board of County Commissioners recognizes the need for a CSMP for the Old Town of Santa Rosa area. This area 

has several currently known issues including an old platted subdivision with no master stormwater plan, high ground water table in 

the area, several wetlands, a large portion located in the coastal high hazard area, localized flooding issues, poor soils, and 

approximately 10.29 miles of non-paved roads contributing to the sediment load of Choctawhatchee Bay. The CSMP will evaluate 

issues and offer solutions to alleviate these problems. 

As an amendment to the originally approved project, the design and permitting will make phase 1 of the project “shovel ready” and 

allow Walton County to move forward with water quality restoration efforts in the Old Town of Santa Rosa area. 

A. Purpose: 

The purpose of this project is to create a CSMP to address stormwater management needs in the Old Town of Santa Rosa area and 

identify infrastructure projects that will address water quality and quantity issues. This project has both a local benefit to the 

watershed within the Old Town of Santa Rosa area, as well as Walton County and the Choctawhatchee Bay watershed as a whole. 

B. Objective: 

The objective of this project is to conduct a drainage study and develop a comprehensive stormwater master plan for the area 

of Old Town Santa Rosa, in order to reduce flooding that affects over 300 residents and improve water quality. This proposed 

project will develop solutions (to be constructed under a future phase) that will help reduce the sediment pollution into the 

Choctawhatchee Bay watershed, ultimately improving the habitat of many marine and freshwater species, including seagrasses. 

Once constructed (under a future phase) the project is expected to benefit the economy and ecological resources. 

As an amendment to the originally approved project, the design and permitting will make phase 1 of the project “shovel ready” and 

allow Walton County to move forward with water quality restoration efforts in the Old Town of Santa Rosa area. 

F. Milestones: 

Advertise RFP 

Select contractor Draft report Finalize report 

Documentation of Success 

G. Location: 

This project is located within the Old Town Santa Rosa watershed, Walton County, Florida, which is in the Gulf Coast region. 

H. Total Funding Sources: 

Direct Component Contribution: $594,506.37 to develop the CSMP for the Old Town of Santa Rosa area. 
Project 14: Sustainable Economic Matrix and Master Plan 

͘ Description: 

The proposed project is to develop a Sustainable Economic Matrix and Master Plan (SEMMP) for the City of Defuniak Springs with

the intent to then fully implement the SEMMP at a future date by addressing key issues such as workforce development and job

creation, infrastructure and promotion of tourism to Walton County. The Plan will build strategies to enhance and protect the

sustainability and resiliency of Walton County’s economy and works to diversify the County’s economic base. 

͘ Eligible Activity: 

Primary: Planning Assistance 

Secondary: Workforce development and job creation; Infrastructure projects benefitting the economy or ecological resources,

including port infrastructure; and Promotion of tourism in the Gulf Coast Region; including recreational fishing 

͘ Need: 

The unemployment rate in Walton County has experienced major fluctuations throughout the years. For example, in 2006 the

unemployment rate was approximately 2%, in 2010 it increased to 11%, and now in 2018, the unemployment rate is approximately

3%. The City of Defuniak Springs has recognized the need to develop a SEMMP with the intent to then fully implement the Plan at a

future time and address key issues to the City’s economic stability. The goal of the SEMMP will be to give Walton County better

career opportunities, housing options, and quality of life while reducing the income disparity gap through a diversified industry

matrix. 

͘ Purpose: 

The project will provide planning assistance to develop the SEMMP for the City of Defuniak Springs. It is the intent of the City and

the County to then implement the SEMMP at a future date. Once implemented, the City will have better career opportunities,

housing options, and quality of life while reducing the income disparity gap through a diversified industry matrix. 

͘ Objective: 

The objective of the SEMMP will be to create guiding documents and road map for sustainable economic growth over the next 15-20

years. By providing funding for the planning phase, the RESTORE committee can ensure all action plans and strategies spawned from

the SEMMP will be coordinated and in a timely order. This plan will help identify greatest needs and reduce overlap and duplication

of services; ultimately reducing cost and time to complete projects. The development of the SEMMP is a critical first step towards

addressing job base diversification, infrastructure needs, and expand the promotion of tourism in Walton County. The proposed

project is forecasted to have a net positive economic benefit for the City of Defuniak Springs. These benefits include better career

opportunities, housing options, and quality of life while reducing the income disparity gap through a diversified industry matrix. 

&͘ Milestone: 

Sign Sub-recipient agreement 

Draft Report 

Final Report 

Documentation of Success 

'͘ Location: 

Defuniak Springs, FL in Walton County, Florida in the Gulf Coast region. 

,͘ Total Funding Source: 

Direct Component Contribution: $1ϭϮ͕Θϳϳ͘ϯε to develop the Sustainable Economic Matrix and Master Plan for City of Defuniak

Springs. 
 

2. How the applicant made the multiyear plan available for 45 days for public review and comment, in a manner calculated to 

obtain broad-based participation from individuals, businesses, Indian tribes, and non-profit organizations, such as through public 

meetings, presentations in languages other than English, and postings on the Internet. The applicant will need to submit 

documentation (e.g., a copy of public notices) to demonstrate that it made its multiyear plan available to the public for at least 45 

days. In addition, describe how each activity in the multiyear plan was approved after consideration of all meaningful input from the 

public and submit documentation (e.g., a letter from the applicant's leadership approving submission of the multiyear plan to 

Treasury or a resolution approving the applicant's multiyear plan). 

Each activity in the plan was adopted after consideration of all meaningful input from the public. The County made the plan 

available on their website (and in person via hard copy) for 45 days and advertised the availability of the plan in the local 

newspaper. Over the last five years, the County has held dozens of public meetings, developed a stakeholder list, and established a 

Local Restore Committee. Through these efforts, the County has developed broad based participation in this process as evidenced 

by attendance at public meetings and the call for project response. Individuals, non-profits, businesses, and Indian tribes were all 

involved in the process and submitted project proposals to the County. The County held public meetings to rank and approve the 

final activity list. On June 12, 2018, the Walton County Board of County Commissioners approved the additional projects according 

to the rankings by the Local RESTORE Act Committee. June 12, 2018 meeting minutes can be found at: 

https://walton.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=M&ID=579373&GUID=838DFD9C-4EE8-400C-8E37-3B4148B0712E. On December 14, 

2018, the County started the 45-day Public Notice period. The associated public notice is attached. The Multi-year Plan was made 

available on the County website (https://www.co.walton.fl.us/DocumentCenter/View/31106/2018-RESTORE-Act-MYIPAmendment) and hard copies were made available upon request at the County’s Administration Office (76 North 6th Street, 

Defuniak Springs, FL 32433) and the Walton County Public Works Office (117 Montgomery Circle, Defuniak Springs, FL 32435). The 

public comment period ended on January 31, 2019. No comments were received regarding this project. 

Project 9 (Modification): Old Town of Santa Rosa TMDL Water Quality Restoration, Phase 1 

Project 14: Sustainable Economic Matrix and Master Plan 

3. How each activity included in the applicant's multiyear plan narrative meets all the requirements under the RESTORE Act, 

including a description of how each activity is eligible for funding based on the geographic location of each activity and how each 

activity qualifies for at least one of the eligible activities under the RESTORE Act. 

The following described activities included in the multiyear plan matrix are eligible for funding under the RESTORE Act. Each activity 

in the Plan was adopted after consideration of meaningful input from the public. 

Project 9 (Modification): Old Town of Santa Rosa TMDL Water Quality Restoration, Phase I 

A. Primary Eligible Activity: Planning assistance for future coastal flood protection and related infrastructure by providing a 

master stormwater plan to identify future phase infrastructure needs. As an amendment to the originally approved 

project, the design and permitting will make phase 1 of the project “shovel ready” and allow Walton County to move 

forward with water quality restoration efforts in the Old Town of Santa Rosa area. 

B. Geographic Eligibility: The project will occur in the Old Town of Santa Rosa in Walton County, Florida, in the Gulf Coast 

region 

Project 14: Sustainable Economic Matrix and Master Plan 

A. Primary Eligible Activity: Planning Assistance 

B. Secondary Eligible Activity: Workforce development and job creation; Infrastructure projects benefitting the economy or 

ecological resources, including port infrastructure; and Promotion of tourism in the Gulf Coast Region; including 

recreational fishing 

C. Geographic Eligibility: The project will occur in the Defuniak Springs area of Walton County, Florida, in the Gulf Coast 

region. 

. 
 

 

4. Criteria the applicant will use to evaluate the success of the activities included in the multiyear plan narrative in helping to restore 

and protect the Gulf Coast Region impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. 

Project 9 (Modification): Old Town of Santa Rosa TMDL Water Quality Restoration, Phase I 

The success of this project will be evaluated by the creation of a Comprehensive Stormwater Master Plan which identifies solutions 

to infrastructure and coastal flood protection needs in Walton County. As an amendment to the originally approved project, the 

success of the project will also include the planning, design, and permitting for an infrastructure project will benefit the economy or 

ecological resources. 

Project 14: Sustainable Economic Matrix and Master Plan 

The success of this project will be evaluated by the creation of an economic matrix and master plan to identify and address 

economic, infrastructure, and tourism potential needs for the City of Defuniak Springs. 

5. How the activities included in the multiyear plan narrative were prioritized and list the criteria used to establish the priorities. 

Criteria Used to Establish Multi-Year Plan Priorities: 

In April 2013, Walton County began developing guidelines for use of Direct Component funds. At the May 14, 2013 BCC 

meeting, a set of specific evaluation criteria was discussed and adopted. At the May 22, 2013 LRC meeting, an evaluation and 

criteria subcommittee was formed and subsequently held ten (10) meetings over the next 18 months. On May 28, 2013, 

Walton County adopted Resolution 2013-25 to ratify the guidance and to ratify the Local RESTORE Committee (LRC) in order 

to engage citizen input throughout the MYIP process. Eleven members were appointed to the LRC representing a set of 

diverse interests including environmental, economic development, coastal restoration/management, business, tourism, 

fishing, health/human services, community leaders, education, and arts/culture. Also at the May 28, 2013 BCC meeting, the 

BCC assigned percentage values based on importance to each of the eligible activity categories provided in the RESTORE Act 

plus the following factors developed by the LRC subcommittee: 

A. Area of impact; 

B. Economic benefit; 

C. Environmental benefit; 

D. Ability to leverage other funding sources; 

E. Long term implications (value and cost); 

F. Shovel readiness; 

G. Comprehensive Plan projects; 

H. Comprehensive Plan compliance; 

I. Capital Improvement Plan projects; and 

J. Funding amount requested. 

On February 11, 2015, the LRC approved the final draft RESTORE Act Project Funding Application and the final draft RESTORE 

Evaluation Matrix. On February 24, 2015, the BCC reviewed and approved the final RESTORE Act Project Funding Application 

and final RESTORE Evaluation Matrix. On June 3, 2015, the LRC voted to approve the utilization of a Feasibility Review Panel 

made up of County staff, which would provide technical and compliance reports to the LRC on each project. At this meeting, 

the LRC also set the date for the project submission period and decided it would be open for a period of 121 days. Ultimately 

the LRC and the BOCC settled on a total scoring regime that included an application score, allowable use score, and project 

type score. The adopted RESTORE Act Scoring Criteria, Guidelines, and Evaluation Matrix can be found on the Walton County 

website (http://www.co.walton.fl.us/DocumentCenter/). 

How the Activities included in the Multiyear Plan Matrix were prioritized: 

Walton County followed an established objective process for prioritizing projects in the MYIP. The County chose to allow 

members of the public to submit project proposals to the County that would then be reviewed, scored, and ranked based on the 

criteria outlined in the previous section. By inviting the public at large to submit project proposals, Walton County aimed to 

attract a broad range of interests County-wide. The County opened the second round of project submittals on January 15, 2018 

and closed it on May 4, 2018. A total of eight (8) projects were received for consideration of funding. 

A copy of the Walton County RESTORE Act Project Funding Application can be found on the Walton County website 

(http://www.co.walton.fl.us/DocumentCenter/). Once the project submittal period closed to the public, Walton County tasked 

the individual members of the LRC with reviewing each project and providing a numeric score in accordance with the adopted 

Walton County RESTORE Act Scoring Criteria, Guidelines, and Evaluation Matrix. In May 2018, the LRC members scored each 

project and County staff compiled the scores into a spreadsheet. The LRC held a public meeting on May 23, 2018 to review and 

discuss the scored projects. 
 

On June 12, 2018, the BCC held a public meeting to discuss the projects recommended for funding. Projects scopes and budgets 

were discussed as well as the potential to phase some projects. Some public comment was provided before the Board to provide 

an overview of their projects and the need for funding. Ultimately, the BCC voted to make the US 331 Water and Sewer project 

the #1 priority for Walton County and allowing for funding of all other projects as funding becomes available. 

The MYP Amendment Walton County provided for public review included six (6) new projects and the modification of one 

previously accepted project. Following the public review period, Walton County has submitted a MYP Amendment including only 

the modification of the Old Town of Santa Rosa TMDL Water Quality Restoration, Phase I and the addition of the Sustainable 

Economic Matrix and Master Plan project. The Sustainable Economic Matrix and Master Plan project is the planning project for a 

much larger economic development initiative for the City of Defuniak. In order to expedite the Sustainable Economic Matrix and 

Master Plan, these two projects needed to be separated from the remaining five (5) new projects. The County intends to submit 

a second MYP Amendment including the remaining five (5) new projects following Treasury’s acceptance of this MYP 

Amendment. Walton County has divided the public review version into two separate amendments in order to expedite the new 

project (Defuniak Economic Plan) included in this MYP Amendment. 

6. If applicable, describe the amount and current status of funding from other sources (e.g., other RESTORE Act contribution, other 

third party contribution) and provide a description of the specific portion of the project to be funded by the RESTORE Act Direct 

Component. 

No other known relationships between any of the activities included in the multiyear plan matrix and other activities funded under 

the RESTORE Act. 
¦ ̈§10 

Walton County RESTORE MYP Project Locations 

Proj ect_ID X Y 

1 86° 22' 53.330" W 30° 19' 39.830" N PAXTON 2 86° 17' 2.470" W 30° 21' 39.900" N 

3 86° 9' 10.870" W 30° 19' 31.540" N 

4 86° 10' 4.000" W 30° 19' 33.700" N 

5 86° 8' 10.690" W 30° 29' 53.640" N 

6 86° 8' 10.690" W 30° 29' 53.640" N 

7 85° 57' 37.690" W 30° 28' 29.220" N 

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8 86° 8' 15.710" W 30° 19' 11.290" N 

9 86° 13' 56.170" W 30° 23' 20.320" N 

10 86° 10' 58.100" W 30° 20' 13.880" N 

11 86° 14' 17.000" W 30° 21' 5.000" N 

12 86° 8' 34.080" W 30° 26' 36.630" N 

13 86° 7' 15.650" W 30° 43' 0.090" N 

14 86° 6' 40.051" W 30° 43' 13.722" W 

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