Justification
Governor's Recommendations 2022-23

The Governor's Budget Recommendation for Fiscal Year 2022-23 includes $164,213 in nonrecurring budget authority in the
Federal Grants Trust Fund to purchase a new research vessel to support the department's Underwater Archaeology program's
needs. A new vessel is needed to aid the archeologists in the program to explore historic shipwrecks and submerged
prehistoric sites. The current vessel is estimated to have over 2,500 hours on the engine and does not have a safe
carrying capacity for modern equipment, staff, and diving gear. The vessel also has mechanical issues. The new vessel
will be funded by a multi-year Florida Coastal Management Program grant from the Florida Department of Environmental
Protection (FDEP). This program is supported by federal funds provided to FDEP from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration.