Mote Marine Laboratory is gearing up to apply for a federal grant to fund a crucial step in its drive to build an aquarium in Punta Gorda: hiring two consultants to design a complex that could be supported by residents and visitors.

And Charlotte County, as an economically distressed county, needs the recovery that such a project would bring, according to a proposed letter endorsing Mote’s funding request. The County Commission will consider approving the letter Tuesday.