CEPD discusses beach project and gets update on lot
At its recent meeting, the Captiva Erosion Prevention District’s commission discussed the upcoming beach renourishment project, including apportionment and financing, along with heard a status update on the Alison Hagerup Beach Park parking lot.
On Feb. 10, Chairman John Wade reported that the district will use the 2021 benefit analysis from economists Drs. William Stronge and Gary Jackson for the apportionment process. However, Stronge has agreed to update the past analysis with new information, which the board will review in March.
He added that Stronge and APTIM Coastal Market Lead Nicole Sharp will work together on it.
Wade continued that following the commission’s review of the tentative apportionment report and approval of the process, notice will be sent out to the community, with a public hearing set for April.
“The goal here is to have everything done by May 1,” he said.
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock will next mobilize its equipment, with the sand placement to start.
Also during the meeting, Wade discussed the process and timeline for financial advisor consultant Public Resources Advisory Group (PRAG) to secure the $25 million bond loan for the project.
He reported that work has begun on the Request for Proposal, which the board will review. The commission will review and narrow down the proposals in March, with a selection made in April.
On the discussion of financing, Sharp reported that they attended the Florida Shore and Beach Preservation Association’s conference and connected with officials from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. She noted that there may be possible upfront funding for the project.
“There’s been precedent that folks have been given this historically,” Sharp said.
They will coordinate with the agency and provide information.
On the subject of the project, interim Director Paul Tritaik reported that he has a meeting with APTIM to discuss the sea turtle permitting. Monitoring will need to begin 65 days before the project’s start.
IN OTHER NEWS
– Tritaik reported that staff were unable to get the Alison Hagerup lot open by Feb. 1.
He explained that there was an objection by a neighbor about removing the Australian pines in the right-of-way that had to be resolved before the district could proceed with cleaning up the area.
Tritaik also reported that the original vision for restoring the retaining wall was restricted to its former footprint. However, staff asked the contractor to amend its scope of work to extend to the corner of the property — as is actually permitted — and staff are waiting on an estimate for the amended work.
Wade echoed that it would take back the original footprint, not expand upon it.
– Tritaik reported that staff is continuing to look at office space options.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email