A dozen projects that will benefit
both boat owners and landlubbers on the Treasure Coast have
been tentatively funded by the Florida Inland Navigational
District, FIND executive director Dave Roach said Wednesday.
More than $1.5 million from special navigational taxes will
go toward fishing piers, shoreline stabilization and
environmental dredging projects in Martin and St. Lucie
counties -- if permits are granted in time for the final
budget meeting in September.
"Only one out of 10 families has a boat," Roach said. "But
we have people paying tax money, and they need to get
something out of the deal."
Those who like to keep their feet dry will be able to enjoy
three fishing, viewing and crabbing piers at Blind Creek
preserve, just north of the St. Lucie Power Plant -- a county
project that will total $107,150.
Also, the district agreed to fund $150,000 to remove exotic
species in Peck Lake Park in Hobe Sound on the Intracoastal
Waterway, along the shady boardwalk that leads to an existing
fishing pier.
Other projects that are tentatively funded include:
St. Lucie County's $3.5 million plan to dredge Taylor Creek
for navigational and environmental reasons. FIND will offer
$800,000 toward the project, but state and federal permits
must be obtained, Roach said.
A new 26-foot-long boat for law enforcement in Martin
County.
Adding a dozen more slips to the floating courtesy dock
behind Stuart City Hall, as well as new channel markers for
easier docking.
Shoreline stabilization at the popular North Causeway
Island in Fort Pierce, where picnic shelters are currently
jeopardized by erosion, and Twin Rivers Park in Rocky Point.
$12,000 in sign improvements at Stuart's Southpoint
Anchorage.
A trailer, new molds and ingredients for reef balls --
artificial reefs made by Martin County students that will be
set in the Indian River Lagoon for oyster and juvenile fish
habitat.
- suzanne.wentley@scripps.com
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