Pinellas Receives Additional $16M for Beaches

ST. PETE BEACH, FL – Pinellas County received word last week that millions of dollars of additional federal funding will help keep its world-famous beaches pristine for people and wildlife alike.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced the Pinellas County federal beach nourishment project will receive an additional $16 million in federal funding this summer.

“The Pinellas County beach nourishment program has been a model partnership among the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the state, county and local communities for more than 40 years,” said Janet C. Long, chairman of the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners. “The funding for the construction this fall would not have been possible without the support of the Jacksonville District Office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Senators Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio and Congressmen Gus Bilirakis and Charlie Crist.”

Last summer, Pinellas County was awarded $12.8 million in response to storm damage to its beaches. With the additional $16 million, along with $5.15 million from the county’s Bed Tax and $5.15 million from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Corps will be able to re-nourish up to 10.5 miles of beaches.

The nourishment will provide critical coastal storm damage protection, recreational opportunities and enhanced natural habitats. The federal government has invested almost $120 million in restorative beach erosion control measures, including beach nourishment and the construction of groins to date.

Construction is scheduled to begin sometime this fall. In preparation for the project, Pinellas County and various municipalities sent letters to all property owners last January to request easements along the length of the project.

The project easements will allow for necessary construction activities without gaps in the project and will preserve public access to beaches. Property owners have until Friday, June 2 to provide the easement.

The Pinellas County Shore Protection Project includes three federally authorized segments actively maintained by the federal government in a cost-share agreement with Pinellas County. Based on construction bids, segments could include Sand Key, Treasure Island and Long Key.

“This project aligns perfectly with the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners’ strategic goal of practicing superior environmental stewardship to preserve and manage environmental lands, beach parks and historical assets,” said County Administrator Mark S. Woodard.

Photography provided courtesy of Pinellas County Communications Department