In 2013, St. Lucie County performed a one-time, non-federal beach restoration project along the same beachfront where the 50-year federal beach project has been proposed (Normandy Beach to Martin County line).

Prior to 2013, beaches along the South Hutchinson Island project area were battered by a number of storms that caused significant erosion. As a result, property owners approached the County (through its Erosion District) for assistance, while the County continued efforts for long-term beach federalization. In response to the residents’ request(s), the County garnered support for a locally funded beach restoration project. St. Lucie County assembled a team to help fund, design, and ultimately initiate the 2013 beach nourishment project, securing significant State funding for the project along the way.

 A Special Assessment District, composed of beachfront properties owners in the project area, was created to fund the outstanding balance of construction. This funding plan was based on an economic study completed by a County consultant, which assessed specific project benefits including the potential loss of land, storm damage protection, and recreational benefits of the proposed beach nourishment. The community eventually voted on moving forward with the project, with more than 66% of property owner ballots in favor of the project.

Details

• Cost: Approximately $7.5 million (Construction) and $4.5 million (Mitigation Reef and Post-Construction Monitoring)
• Sand volume: 650,000 cubic yards
• Dune plants: 254,000
• Mitigation reef: 1.89 acres

Final cost share

• A fair and equitable local funding plan was developed that ultimately resulted in the following funding commitments -- State (43%), Erosion District (25%) and Special Assessment District (32%)

Reducing costs to residents

The County further cut the cost to the Special Assessment District by:

• Funding improvements at Waveland and Dollman Beach Parks (County-owned), which led to an increase in the State’s cost share from 29.9% to 43.49%
• Arranging for the State to cover pre-construction costs (approx. $4 million) such as design and permitting
• Securing additional State funding ($5.2 million) towards project construction