CEPD signs off on tentative apportionment, loan
The Captiva Erosion Prevention District’s (CEPD) commission approved the tentative apportionment and bond loan for the beach renourishment at its recent meeting, as well as welcomed its new administrative staffer and heard about an open board seat.
At its meeting on May 19, the commissioners voted unanimously 4-0 on a resolution approving the tentative apportionment for the 2024-25 beach maintenance renourishment project for the island.
Scheduled for this summer, it will consist of placing about 800,000 cubic yards of fill along 4.85 miles of the Gulf shoreline and the rehabilitation of existing dunes between Redfish Pass and Blind Pass.
The CEPD previously reported that the cost of the renourishment will be paid through assessments imposed against properties benefited by the project. The tentative assessment is based on an estimated project cost of $26.67 million. The tentative assessment also assumes an estimated Florida Department of Environmental Protection cost share of 21.07% and estimated Lee County cost share of 29.45%.
The benefits-based apportionment relies on the method used in 2021, but with updated values.
Gulf-facing properties are broken down into six zones to determine storm protection benefits. All island properties are categorized as residential, residential with a homestead exemption or commercial to determine recreational benefits; homesteaded properties receive a recreational discount of 42%.
The benefits — one or both — are then calculated to determine a property’s assessment.
The CEPD previously reported that after the renourishment is done, a preliminary assessment roll will be prepared. A second hearing will be scheduled for the public to appear or file written objections to the roll. After that, the commission will consider for approval the final apportionment and assessments.
To view the tentative apportionment and benefit analysis, click on 2025 TENTATIVE APPORTIONMENT and 2025 BENEFIT ANALYSIS.
Also during the meeting, the commission voted 4-0 to approve a resolution authorizing the CEPD to borrow funds from Regions Capital Advantage in the principal not-to-exceed amount of $25 million to finance the cost of the project and authorizing a loan agreement between the CEPD and the bank and the CEPD’s special assessment note — series 2025 — payable to the bank.
In addition, the commissioners voted 4-0 in separate motions to:
– Approve a resolution approving a contract agreement with APTIM Coastal Planning & Engineering for the Local Government Funding Request for a not-to-exceed cost of $28,953. Prior to the vote, APTIM Coastal Market Lead Nicole Sharp explained that the contract is for the annual scope of work provided for the CEPD’s beach management program that enables it to qualify for state funding for projects. She added that there were no changes to the proposed contract compared to last year.
– Approve a resolution approving check-writing signature authority consistent with best general accounting practices to the commission’s chairman and CEPD’s general manager.
Also at the meeting, new General Manager Brighton Heard was sworn in and took the oath of office.
Recently relocating from Sacramento, California, he was previously a senior conservation project planner at Westervelt Ecological Services — a position he held since 2022. Heard has also served as a wetland specialist, project manager and regulatory specialist for Resource Environmental Solutions for over 10 years and as a wetland biologist at Natural Resource Professionals for another four years.
He has overseen or been involved with a multitude of restoration projects and was key personnel in the largest mitigation project approved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a water district in Texas.
Heard holds a Bachelor of Science in natural resource ecology and management from Louisiana State University, with his area of concentration being wetland science. He graduated from LSU in 2007.
Heard is a professional wetland scientist, certified forester, certified ecological restoration practitioner and certified prescribed burn manager for marshland and forest and certified in wetland delineation.
Also during the meeting, Chairman John Wade shared that Treasurer and Secretary Linda Laird recently submitted her resignation to the board. The CEPD will soon look to fill the vacancy.
IN OTHER NEWS
– Sharp reported that the beach renourishment is still on track to start in mid-August. Also, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection approved an advance distribution of the $13 million for it.
– Wade reported that the candidate for the new office assistant-secretary position, which will include bookkeeping, fell through as she wanted a higher salary than planned. He and Heard will keep looking at resumes.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email