CEPD hosts beach renourishment meetings for Captivans next week
With a critical referendum enabling beach renourishment on the Nov. 2 general election ballot, the Captiva Erosion Prevention District (CEPD) is hosting two meetings next week to make sure that all registered Captiva voters are able to make an informed decision.
Passing the referendum would allow the CEPD to get a head start on preparing for the 2013 beach renourishment project. Since 1988, three island-wide renourishment projects have taken place every eight years.
As the name of the organization suggests, the CEPD hopes to inform Captivans about the dangers of beach erosion and how projects like beach nourishment can prevent damage to island infrastructure.
People like Harry Kaiser, a long-time Captiva resident and CEPD commissioner, remembers when the stretch of beach in front of ‘Tween Waters Inn was so eroded, water from the Gulf of Mexico had crept right up to the road, making it impossible to drive across.
“I think its very important that registered voters on Captiva get out and vote — especially when we have important considerations such as the beach renourishment,” Kaiser said. “I’ve been here a long time, and if you don’t get the people behind you, I’ve found that our beautiful beaches will quickly disappear. I urge everybody to get out and vote yes for the referendum.”
To help Captivans learn the basics of beach renourishment, what the referendum entails and why erosion prevention is essential to preserving the island, the CEPD will hold two meetings next week.
On Tuesday, Oct. 19, at 1 p.m., the CEPD will host an informational town hall meeting detailing the beach renourishment process and why voting in favor of the referendum will help the organization prepare more efficiently for the 2013 renourishment.
On Wednesday, Oct. 20, at noon, the CEPD will hold their regular board meeting. The bulk of the meeting will be devoted to the apportionment process of the renourishment project, with information presented by economist Dr. William Stronge and engineer Steve Keehn of Coastal Planning and Engineering.
Both meetings will take place in the Wakefield Room at ‘Tween Waters Inn, 15951 Captiva Drive.
“If you’ve been off island for the summertime and are just coming back, these meetings will definitely bring you up to speed,” Kaiser said.
For more information about erosion and beach renourishment, contact the Captiva Erosion Prevention District at 472-2472 or go to www.MyCEPD.com.