The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board approved an agreement today that will allow rowing teams more access to the Tampa Bypass Canal.
The agreement with the Tampa Bypass Canal Rowing Council, Inc., which is a not-for-profit organization created to help college and high school rowing teams train, will allow the organization to construct and maintain a training facility downstream from Harney Park on the southern portion of the canal.
The Tampa Bypass Rowing Council plans to construct two docks and a building to stow boats and other rowing equipment. Restroom facilities will also be provided, either inside the building or by portalets. The building and additional docks will be used during designated training activities and will not be open to the public.
The District’s Surface Water Improvement and Management program has targeted portions of the canal’s shoreline in the area for restoration. The rowing council has agreed to move their facilities if the area is impacted by restoration efforts.
The 5-year agreement includes one option to renew for an additional 5 years.