Pond, canal project seeking applicants

RUSKIN - For decades, clearing land in Florida cleared the way for new housing developments and shopping centers. But with the recession, thousands of construction jobs went up in smoke.

Now, not far from the south shore of Tampa Bay, workers clear land for a 25-acre project aimed at restoring the environment and putting people back to work.

"We're going to make a natural system to create fish," says the project's designer, Tom Ries, of Ecosphere Restoration Institute.

Workers are building a system of ponds and canals that connects to Tampa Bay. It will create an estuary where fish can breed and grow and improve fishing.

The project will also create at least 13 construction jobs. It's called Lost River Preserve. This is one of 50 projects across the nation awarded federal stimulus dollars to improve fisheries.

Lost River is getting $750,000 from the federal government.

Qualified marine construction contractors may bid on the project. Contact Tom Ries at tries@ecosphererestoration.org.