The Captiva Erosion Prevention District’s commission recently selected the contractor for the beach renourishment project, as well as scheduled the first public hearing for its 2024-25 tentative budget.

At a special meeting on July 25, the commissioners voted 4-0 to award the contract to Great Lakes Dredge and Dock for the project in the amount of $26,672,050. A second company, Weeks Marine, also submitted a proposal for the project — for a bid amount of $28,056,500.

Prior to the vote, Executive Director Daniel Munt provided a presentation on the two bids, obligated grant funding to date for the beach renourishment and staff’s recommendation.

He reported that both proposals were based on the project taking place next year, from May 1 through Oct. 25. Both also entailed the placement of an estimated 800,000 cubic yards of sand, which could be adjusted up or down 25% based on need, and the planting of 800,000 sea oats.

“And it’s important to note that this bid window that they both bid in occurs during sea turtle nesting season, so we have to account for sea turtle relocation costs,” Munt added.

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation provided an estimated $117,031 proposal.

As for dedicated grant funds for the beach renourishment, he reported on:

– $13,244,000 Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) grant for Hurricane Ian, with a cost share of 100% — meaning that the CEPD does not have to contribute any monies

“The kicker for this one is the beach funds must be used by Dec. 31 of next year, with the deliverables to the state by September of next year,” Munt said.

– FDEP grant (Local Government Funding Request) at 21.07% for the costs above the Ian grant

He also outlined funding from Lee County based on the calculations used last time, which was 30.49% of the residual costs after the FDEP funds, plus a $1 million cost share reduction.

“We still have to go out and secure these and hopefully additional funds from the county to further reduce our costs,” Munt added.

He continued that based upon the bid proposals and estimated grant funding, the residual cost would be about $6,433,035 with Great Lakes and about $7,192,603 with Weeks Marine.

In terms of staff’s recommendation on the selection, Munt reported that both bidders are equally qualified to perform the work, and the beach and dune systems are eroded enough to warrant a nourishment. He noted that if a proposal is not selected, future bids would likely cost the same or more. In addition, the CEPD runs the risk of losing the $13.2 million in FDEP grant funds and a recertification of the construction plans would need to occur, costing roughly another $100,000.

“It is the recommendation of staff that we move forward with the lowest qualified bidder,” Munt said.

During its discussion, the commission asked CEPD consultant and APTIM Coastal Market Lead Nicole Sharp to offer her general opinion on the bids, which she would recommend and why.

“I would recommend going with Great Lakes just because their cost is the cheaper of the two, even though they have a larger mobilization (cost),” she said. “Also you’re coming with experience. Great Lakes has built the past project in 2021, they built the project in 2013, they did your emergency project in 2008, and they did a regular renourishment project in ’05-06. They know the island, they know the players.”

For more information about the project, visit www.mycepd.com.

IN OTHER NEWS

– The commission voted 4-0 to set the tentative budget hearing for Sept. 9 at 5:01 p.m. at the Captiva Civic Center, at 11550 Chapin Lane, Captiva. It will be the first of two hearings.

– Munt reported that staff is exploring putting in the proposed budget a line item for iguana control services, which are currently managed by the Captiva Community Panel, and is looking into grant opportunities. Experts reported that iguanas destroy seawalls and dune vegetation.

The item will be discussed at the commission’s August meeting.