Funding sources for City beach renourishment project in doubt

Submitted by Susan Hardee Steger

During Nassau County's Board of Commissioners (BOCC) meeting on March 19, the commission soundly rejected a proposal made by City Manager Joe Gerrity suggesting the City, Nassau County, and the Tourism and Development Council (TDC) partner to fund the estimated 1.5 million dollar local cost for the City's beach renourishment project scheduled for 2016.  Although much of the discussion centered on TDC funding, Commissioner Leeper left the door slightly open for future county participation recognizing beaches are important for tourism. "We need to take care of our beaches.  How we do that is to be determined," said Leeper.

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There is no willingness by the TDC to participate, remarked Leeper who serves on the TDC.  "At the moment, even city commissioners who serve on the TDC board are not willing to go along with the recommendation from the City Manager," said Leeper.

*Editor's Note:  When later questioned on his statement, Leeper informed the  Fernandina Observer "he wasn't speaking on their behalf but none of the City's representatives on the board have indicated they are in favor as nothing has been discussed formally or informally on the issue."

Meanwhile, the clock is ticking. According to City Manager Joe Gerrity, the City has until mid 2015 to show local funding sources are in place. "Ten percent of TDC funds are designated for 'beach projects'," said Gerrity. "The alternatives for the city are pretty limited if the County chooses not to participate."

Commissioner Pat Edwards, spoke to the issue of TDC participation saying he is "against forcing the TDC to pay."  He cited  the excellent work the TDC has done bringing people to Nassau County. Directing funding to beach renourishment he said, would be a "huge mistake."

It is a bed tax that funds the TDC, and according to a TDC document, the revenue received is to "generate visitation." But revenue for beach renourishment is also addressed. "In turn, those tax revenues may be used to improve the quality of life for the citizens of the community, provide support for beach renourishment, and ensure a viable hospitality industry."

Since the BOCC has stated its position on TDC funding for the City's renourishment project, "it is redundant for the TDC to respond," said Gil Langley, President and CEO of the Amelia Island Convention and Visitors Bureau. "The TDC is a function of Nassau County Government reporting directly to BOCC."

The big concern for Commissioner Steve Kelley in honoring Gerrity's request is the Save Amelia Island Shore Stabilization Association (SAISSA) will more likely demand funding for the island's south end renourishment projects from both the County and the TDC.  According to the SAISSA website, unlike the City plan, SAISSA receives no federal dollars.

Ted Selby, county manager, wrote in his response to Gerrity that a suggestion from the Board is for the City to "look into an island-wide MSBU similar to  SAISSA."

For City taxpayers, an MSBU would mean an additional tax to fund the City's renourishment efforts. As previously reported in the Fernandina Observer, the City's renourishment costs are funded by Federal funds at 80% compared to 60% received by most coastal communities. State funding is 46.44% of the cost not borne by the Federal government, leaving the remainder for local cost share.

Click here for previous Fernandina Observer article, "Beach renourishment costs mount."

April 1, 2014 6:39 a.m.