The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Coastal Rivers Basin Board approved funding Thursday to build an observation deck at the Springs Coast Environmental Education Center.
The deck was part of the center’s original plan, but was not built because of financial constraints. It is expected to cost $110,000. The Coastal Rivers Basin Board has budgeted $75,000 for the project. The remaining funds will come from the Hernando County School Board, which is responsible for staffing and maintaining the center.
The Springs Coast Environmental Education Center is located on the District’s Weekiwachee Preserve in Hernando County along the Weekiwachee River. The center has fully-equipped classroom/laboratories, a multi-purpose room and trails and access to the river, which provide wilderness experiences for students.
The District’s Coastal Rivers Basin Board contributed $780,000 toward the design and construction of the center, which was completed in 2005.