FEMA greenlights 75% funding of city marina repairs

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm

Reporter - News Analyst

October 9, 2017 3:19 p.m.

After months of paperwork, site visits and waiting, on October 9, 2017 the City of Fernandina Beach received its final approval to proceed with repairs to the city marina related to Hurricane Matthew’s October 2016 visit. This document is the first (and only) formal document presented to the City that codifies the 75% funding for the project described.

According to the FEMA documentation dated 10/07/2017, repairing the extensive damage qualifies for 75 percent federal funding of all eligible costs in accordance with 44 CFR 206.47(a) and disaster determinations.

The total cost of repairs is $6,522,866.26. The city’s share will be 25 percent, or $1,630,717.

Fernandina Beach City Manager Dale Martin said in an email, “I have already approved work through ATM to secure permits and design for the marina work. The next step will be to complete those tasks and prepare to solicit bids for the southern attenuator.”

Martin said that he and City Comptroller Patti Clifford would meet later this week to review the financing process for both the Airport and the Marina facilities.

Editor's Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne's many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.