Brandon Development Foundation outlines wetland bank plan; council offers support

Representatives of the Brandon Development Foundation briefed the council on progress toward establishing a local wetland mitigation bank intended to serve the lower river service area and provide some mitigation capacity specifically reserved for Brandon.

A foundation representative said the organization has acquired additional land to the north and envisions a roughly two‑mile trail and a small park of about four to five acres as part of the site plan. The representative said credits produced by the wetland bank will cover the entire service area but that the board has agreed in principle to reserve a percentage of credits for local Brandon projects; the exact number of credits to be set aside will be determined after final design and regulatory approvals.

Council members noted that at least one local development is being redesigned because it lacked mitigation credits, and they discussed the city’s potential fiscal exposure if it does not secure nearby mitigation capacity. Staff and the foundation said neighborhood meetings have been held and additional outreach will occur during the design phase.

An environmental specialist involved in design and regulatory review explained that the foundation is working with Corps engineers and state agencies to secure approvals. Council members voiced support for the foundation’s approach and requested that city staff coordinate as the foundation pursues land acquisition and design work.

No formal council action was required other than affirming support for the foundation’s efforts.