Representatives from the City of Naples visit Captiva Erosion Prevention District to discuss a joint effort on the next beach renourishment to save money on the multi-million dollar projects. Back row from left are J. Gary McAlpin, director of Coastal Zone Management in Collier County; Scott Johnson, Collier County purchasing agent; Naples Vice Mayor John Sorey; CEPD Chairman Mike Mullins and Commissioner Jim Boyle. Front row, CEPD Treasurer Dave Jensen, Senior Administrative Consultant Kathy Rooker and Secretary Harry Keiser.

The City of Naples is looking to team up with Captiva Erosion Prevention District on the next beach renourishment project. The partnership would have several advantages, including hefty cost savings on multi-million-dollar projects.

“It makes sense,” said J. Gary McAlpin, director of Coastal Zone Management in Naples.

McAlpin, along with Naples Vice Mayor John Sorey, discussed the idea of joining forces with Captiva during the CEPD’s Wednesday meeting. In 2013-14, Collier County will be renourishing eight miles of its beaches Barefoot, Vanderbilt, Park Shore and Naples at a cost of approximately $25 million.

Its sand source will be 14 miles southwest of Sanibel using hoper dredges. While Collier’s beach renourishment project in 2005 was designed for a six-year life span, the next project will seek to achieve a true 10-year renourishment with higher and wider beaches including erosion control structures to reduce the impact for hot spots.

The CEPD will be looking at a minimum of six miles of beaches, including the first mile of Sanibel, for its next project.

If the two were to team up there would be a shared fixed cost savings and potential leverage on a $40 to $50 million project. In addition, there would be cost share points with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the possibility of saving between $2 and $4 million overall on the combined project.

“It behooves us to do this,” stated CEPD Chairman Mike Mullins. “We are happy to be talking with Naples (about this joint effort).”

Savings can also be expected by splitting mobilization and demobilization costs, and becoming equal partners with a structured bid and contract. McAlpin told CEPD the details could be worked out if a partnership evolves.

“We are very flexible,” said McAlpin. “There could be millions in savings to both parties involved.”

In other business:

CEPD unanimously voted to transfer $50,000 out of its legal and professional fees budget and into its general operating reserves fund. At the end of the fiscal year in September, the money will then be moved to the capitol projects fund.

The next regular meeting will be at 3 p.m. Sept. 8 in the Wakefield Room at ‘Tween Waters Inn. It will be immediately followed by an initial budget hearing at 5:01 p.m. The final budget hearing will be held Sept. 22.