(corrected) The County remains committed to refining the cost of the total project presently forecasted at $25MM, and to better understand the proposed $22.8MM “contract” with the United States Army Corp. of Engineers (USACE) who will oversee the Federal project. The Federal cost-share can be increased from its present +/-35% to +/-65% of the Corps’ contract or by about $6.8MM by adding public beach accesses within the project area. Just 3 strategically located access points could gain +/-$6.2MM or about 89% of the total possible. It would provide a significant reduction in the local share (cost borne by the County and Island residents). And why the County’s has focused on obtaining “free” easements from various Associations. The beach access points are critical to moving forward with the project and the PC is working diligently to identify cost-effective ways to gain the needed access points. Anyone interested in providing input or gaining more information may contact Josh Revord at the County (772/462-1269). The County has maintained that until the total costs AND Federal share (beach access points) are better understood, the funding options for the “local cost-share” cannot be forecast or discussed meaningfully. To date the contract with the USACE for the 50-year project has not been signed. Until then, if a named storm hits there is no obligation to restore the beach. The deadline for signing the contract is July 2021 and the actual re-nourishment is targeted for the 1st quarter of 2022, before turtle season. The rationale and support for the re-nourishment projects is property protection, while maintaining a turtle-friendly environment. Beaches are surveyed at least annually to follow-up from the prior 2013 project.
November and October 2019 communication with St Lucie County regarding South County Beach Project SLC Board of County Commissioners Fiscal Year 2020 Recommended Budget. Discussion on Beach Re-nourishment begins on page V of the document.
Dear Presidents Council Member,
At its last meeting the President’s Council Board of Directors voted to change its fiscal year from March through February back to a traditional January through December. This will facilitate accounting and will also help with sponsorship recruitment. The President’s Council By-Laws provide for a January through December fiscal year and the Board agrees. Based on a review of the last years expenses the Board will not have a dues increase. The addition of sponsors has helped meet any expenses outside our planned budget. New renewal membership letters will be sent out after the December 17 membership meeting. Best regards, Don Stacks, Treasurer |
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PRESIDENTS COUNCIL OF HUTCHINSON ISLAND | MISSION STATEMENT
The President’s Council, working together, seeks to maintain and enhance the lives of the owners and residents of Hutchinson Island. President’s Council serves St Lucie County, Hutchinson Island resident concerns, such as beach & dune, island safety & beautification, roads, future development and County services affecting us. |