Okaloosa County BOCC — April 27, 2013 — Action Item Printout — reading text

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REQUEST DATE: March 19, 2013 TO: Honorable Chairman and Members of the Board FROM: Daniel O'Byrne SUBJECT: City of Destin Request for Emergency Dredging of Harbor Entrance DEPARTMENT: Tourist Development BCC DISTRICT: ALL STATEMENT OF ISSUE: The unimpeded traversal of Destin Harbor is essential for the economic health of the City of Destin and Okaloosa County. Although maintenance dredging of East Pass and the entrance to Destin Harbor is the responsibility of the Federal government, financial constraints have seen only one Congressional appropriation for dredging of this area. This financial situation continues and the harbor entrance width and depth is further reduced each day. The City of Destin wishes to request that the County authorize the use of the Tourist Development Tax to partially fund this project and is taking steps to have the City Council ratify this request. A letter from the City of Destin requesting this assistance from the County is attached. It is expected that the total cost of this project will be under $200,000. Subject to formal approval by the Destin City Council at their March 18th Council meeting, the City will contribute $20,000 to the funding of this project. If approved by the BOCC, under this scenario, the County would contribute an amount not to exceed $180,000. Staff and legal counsel believe it is an appropriate use of the 1st percentage point of the Tourist Development Tax, as authorized by County Ordinance No. 12-21, to partially fund the emergency dredging of this area. The City of Destin believes it is critical that this project be completed before the beginning of tourist season. It is expected that the City of Destin Council will make a formal request to the County for financial assistance for this project at their March 18th Council Meeting, and Destin Mayor Sarah "Sam" Seevers will present that request to the Board on March 19. Total County financial contribution not to exceed $180,000 paid to the City of Destin via an Interlocal Agreement. BACKGROUND: Continued erosion of Norriego Point has produced large sand shoals immediately offshore of the northwest tip of the Point. Wave and tidal forces have transported a portion of these shoals further to the north into the Destin Harbor (Old Pass Lagoon) entrance channel. Furthermore, the entrance channel appears to experience additional shoaling due to (southerly) sand transport directed underneath the Destin Bridge. This shoaling has greatly reduced the navigable water depths and channel width, causing ship groundings and impassable conditions during low tide, as reported by numerous Destin fishing fleet captains. These hazardous navigation conditions have prompted the City of Destin (City) and Okaloosa County (County) to pursue emergency maintenance dredging to provide safe navigation and reduce the impact to the local fishing and recreational boating economy. (Matt Trammell, Coastal Engineer, Taylor Engineering, February, 2013) OPTIONS: Approve/Disapprove RECOMMENDATIONS: Consideration of the request by the City of Destin to use up to $180,000 in first penny Tourist Development funds for the emergency dredging of the Destin Harbor entrance along with associated engineering costs, and if approved, authorize Special Counsel to draft an Interlocal Agreement regarding project financing for future consideration by the Board. RECOMMENDED BY: APPROVED BY: James D. Curry, County Administrator