Workshop explains dune restoration project

BUNNELL — Defining the border between private and public lands for beach restoration projects as an "erosion control line," officials involved with Flagler County's dune restoration efforts staged a workshop and public hearing this week to address the issue.

And residents had more than a few questions.

The multiyear project is designed to restore protective dunes along State Road A1A in Flagler Beach, specifically an area from South 7th Street to South 28th Street that was damaged by Hurricane Matthew in 2016. The portion of the project discussed during Tuesday night's workshop was led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as part of an overall coastal storm risk management effort.

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William Weeks, planning manager with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, opened the workshop by explaining the process and the need to establish the "erosion control line," which will require permission from affected land owners along the beach.

"In the state of Florida, if you're going to build a beach restoration project, an erosion control line is required by Florida statute," he said.

Weeks said the proposed line is derived from a survey of the mean high water line and sets the stage for the restoration of the dunes, which are designed to help protect State Road A1A from future storm damage.

Ensuring the scenic highway is protected is at the top of the list for the Army Corps of Engineers, according to Jason Harrah, project manager for the Corps.

Harrah said advertising for bids on the project is expected to open Jan. 28 of next year and close on Feb. 26, with a contract award date of March 27. The construction timeline is May 12 to Dec. 28.

"We're very excited to move this project forward that has been going on for a long time," Harrah said. "The landing gear on this plane is down and we're going to hit the runway."

Harrah said the Flagler County effort is one of 23 projects the Army Corps of Engineers is pursuing in Florida.

"Flagler Beach is very lucky to have this project," he said.

While residents were happy to see the project moving forward, they had a few questions.

Mark Kincaid said he was concerned about the quality of the offshore sand that will be pumped in to restore the dunes.

"It's not going to be coquina shell," he said.

Harrah said Flagler County's trademark reddish-colored coquina sand is "just not available" offshore and the new sand will change the look of the beach.

"You will notice a tanner beach," Harrah said. "There will be a noticeable difference, there's no doubt."

Residents also were concerned about the need for easements to accommodate the work.

County Attorney Al Hadeed said the easements are necessary for the initial project and follow-up maintenance.

"There is no change to the property owners' rights," he said. "You're getting value for the piece of property."

Harrah summarized the reality of what the project entails and acknowledged that residents will be affected.

"It will be an inconvenience, but it's a necessary evil to provide that protection," he said.

Those who were unable to attend Tuesday's hearing and question-and-answer session can comment on the erosion control line by writing to William Weeks, planning manager, Division of Water Resource Management, 2600 Blair Stone Road, M.S. 3590, Tallahassee, FL  32399-2400, or send him an email at william.weeks@FloridaDEP.gov.