Beach and Dune Update 6/22/2021

Federal Beach Project
At the June PC Member Meeting, Joshua Revord, SLC Erosion District, provided further update on the Project.  The good news is it moves forward in keeping with the original timeline, a November 2021 start of construction, thanks to a “one-time temporary exception” from the Corp. for the sole remaining construction easement. Though it will not delay the project, in time the Corp ultimately still requires a perpetual easement for the Eustace owned beachfront at Kyle G’s. Efforts continue in that regard and hopefully it is obtained to avoid unnecessary loss of an estimated $130,00+/- in federal funding. Additional upcoming dates:  On July 6th, the BOCC will confirm the financial arrangements for the bond to fund the costs until taxes are levied and collected.  The solicitation of contractor bids is expected to go out July 15th, with construction to begin no earlier than November.     
 Harvey Alligood provided an update regarding the funding of the “local share”. Though work remains there is some progress and some positive developments to report, in large measure due to your earlier letters to Howard Tipton and the County Commissioners, namely:

• As reported from the May members meeting, and reconfirmed in a subsequent meeting with Commissioner Cathy Townsend, she “is in favor of all St. Lucie residents sharing the cost to maintain the beaches”. All St. Lucie residents benefit from and are able to use the beaches and should share in the cost.”  (The PC letter to Commissioner Townsend voices our appreciation for her support click here to view).
  
• Howard Tipton's most definitive response/statement to date, "As to the budget process, please be assured that your request for additional county funding will be considered as we develop the budget for the coming year. The County will be a good neighbor through this process and its contribution will cover, at a minimum, the public beachfront.”
• Commissioner Hutchinson has committed/acknowledged a similar minimum with the door left open.

The work that remains is to convince a majority, at least three of the five Commissioners to support county-wide funding sources BEFORE their annual early July Budget Informal meetings which typically provide consensus directives to the Budget staff and lay the foundation for the ultimate budget adopted in Aug./Sept. of each year.  (Please see the attached document with additional information including the PC’s most recent letters and if you have not already done so, add YOUR voice as soon as possible by July 5th  click here to view)