Posted on February 9, 2021
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — More bed-tax money will be used to shore up the beaches, as costs to save eroded beaches increase.
The county’s allocation for beach-erosion projects will increase $215,000, from $945,000 to $1.16 million, the County Commission decided Tuesday. The commission also increased tourism-promotion allocation, from $945,000 to $1.2 million.
“(The increased allocation) is not going to rock the boat, but any help possible that can be applied in getting this mission accomplished is greatly appreciated,” Commission Chairman Joe Flescher said.
Beach erosion, and the need to replenish sand to storm-damaged beaches, is becoming more frequent, county Budget Director Kristen Daniels told commissioners Tuesday. Repairing beaches is becoming more expensive, she said.
Since 2012, when the county last repaired north-county beaches, for $12.9 million, costs have doubled, Daniels said. The same project now is expected to cost $25.7 million, about $10.2 million more than was budgeted, she said.
The county is in the first phase of the beach-renourishment project from the Seaview subdivision to Wabasso Beach Park. The second phase, from Wabasso Beach to Turtle Trail, is expected to begin in November.
The county collects a 4% tax on all short-term lodging, including hotels, campgrounds and timeshares. In the 2021 budget year, about $2.5 million in tourism taxes was split among tourism promotion and activities, beach renourishment and improvements to the Jackie Robinson Training Complex.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency helps pay for storm-related beach damage, but it is not always guaranteed, and often requires a 25% local match, Daniels said in a Jan. 21 memorandum to the commission.
Since 2016, hurricanes Matthew, Irma and Dorian have caused about $10.9 million in beach erosion, Daniels said.
Commissioners said the beaches need to be protected to keep tourists coming to the area.
“If we did not protect our beaches and provide a funding source to do these types of projects, we would have no tourists,” Commissioner Susan Adams said.
Colleen Wixon is the Indian River County government watchdog reporter for TCPalm.com. Contact her at colleen.wixon@tcpalm.com or (772) 978-2235.
