Posted on April 11, 2020
Due to increasing statewide costs to combat coronavirus, Flagler County officials are worried they may be on the hook for $6 million dollars to complete the next phase of the dune restoration project.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is spearheading the nearly $17.5 million project. The federal government is responsible for almost $11.4 million while the remaining $6 million will be covered by a grant from the Florida Department of Transportation.
County Administrator Jerry Cameron raised concerns during the virtual county commission meeting Monday that if FDOT funding is redistributed at the state level to fund the coronavirus epidemic, the county will have to cover the $6 million.
“This would be bad for us because we are not well off financially,” Cameron said. “I’m absolutely certain that the budget they just passed will have to be reworked. We are told the transportation fund is the last place they would scrap funds, but it’s possible.”
The county is required to pay the $6 million, which is due on April 27, up front. The FDOT grant will reimburse the county. The project is expected to start on May 12 and end on Dec. 28.
Commissioner David Sullivan said he’s not as worried about this year’s budget as he is next year’s.
“I agree in principle, but I don’t think for this year’s budget there will be as much change,” Sullivan said. “A lot of that has to do with how much money comes in from the federal government for COVID-19.”
The next phase of the dune restoration project covers the stretch between South 7th Street and South 28th Street in Flagler Beach. The county is currently obtaining 141 easements for the project. It has received 90 so far; 24 are pending.
County Attorney Al Hadeed said the county should continue to get those easements.
“These easements are permanently allowing restoration and repair of the dunes,” Hadeed said. “To have them in place is important in proceeding with the dune work and will protect the federal allocation that has been made to us.”
Hadeed said the county is working with the FDOT to get assurances that it will not be responsible for the $6 million.
“We have explored a number of alternatives with the FDOT, but haven’t gotten an answer,” Hadeed said. “This is a long-term investment in preserving their state roadway.”
Source: news-journalonline
