Cape San Blas restoration project faces funding and permit challenges
GULF COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – Gulf County residents are patiently waiting for the Cape San Blas Beach restoration project, but warn that time is running out. The lack of sand has already caused damage, water is starting to wash up under houses.
Two Cape San Blas homes have already been condemned, and there are about 30 more that are at risk.
There are two ways to get sand on the beach, truck it from a donor pit, or pump it from the bottom of the Gulf. This project will require 800,000 cubic yards of sand. The estimated cost is $34.5 million, but the county only has $24 million.
They're asking the state legislature for the other $10 million. Residents are hopeful.
Cape San Blas restoration project delayed over funding issues
'It's more probable now than possible. And we're pushing and we're, we're contacting these federal agencies and federal people to contact these federal agencies as well,' Coastal Community Association President Pat Hardman said.
But money isn't the only issue. U.S. Fish and Wildlife and National Marine Fisheries must approve the project before the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will issue a permit to the county.
'There's been some favorable discussions with U.S. Fish and Wildlife and the county, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife did issue their formal consult and the only issue to be kind of resolved, I guess, is some of the terms and conditions that U.S. Fish and Wildlife put forward,' Save the Cape committee member Maria Thomas said.
County officials are also hoping for federal funding down the road. If they can prove the restoration project will improve the habitat of 3 endangered species, the St. Andrews Mouse, Loggerhead Sea Turtles, and shorebirds. They could apply for Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act or COBRA funds.
'If it's to help the endangered species, have corridors, have habitat to live in, have habitat breeding then the COBRA does not apply. The restriction of COBRA not being able to use federal money doesn't apply and that opens up federal money to us,' Hardman said.
'Save the Cape' committee members say the fastest way to begin the project is to receive funding from the state legislature.
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