November 28, 2012
We have seen our share of hurricanes and tropical storms over the years, and they have wreaked havoc over our beautiful beaches. Hurricane Sandy was the last storm to pass through South Florida, and caused quite a bit of beach erosion.
Fort Lauderdale Beach and Lauderdale-By-The-Sea are well known for their warm breezes and beautiful ocean views. Many people come here during the winter months to enjoy the sun, shopping and fine dining. We may have suffered significant beach erosion but there is a plan in place to fix the damage and restore our beaches to the perfection we are used to.
One project set for the Broward County area is the “Segment II Project”. The “Segment II Project” has been extensively studied and is scheduled to begin December 2013, which is the end of sea turtle nesting season.
“After much debate and review, our County staff has concluded that the use of an upland sand source (from a commercial upland sand mine) is the preferred and most likely feasible sand source for the Segment II project,” said Chip LaMarca, Broward County Commissioner. “It is our hope to continue to make this a federally reimbursed project. This means that Broward County would have to front the money for the project. Our County Administrator and staff have prepared for this and these funds currently exist in a protected Beach Renourishment Reserve Fund within the Convention and Visitors Bureau.”
Some of the most exclusive and luxurious oceanfront condominiums are located in Broward County. A few notable luxury oceanfront condominium towers in this area are The Palms, L’Hermitage, The Oceanage, The Atlantic, Landings at Las Olas, and L’Ambiance and Acquazul. There are magnificent ocean views from these luxury waterfront towers.
Restoration Plans for Broward County Beaches-Segment II Project
Project Costs-at this time the projected cost for this project is $38 million for an offshore plan and $44 million for an upland sand source project.
Sand Quality-the sand quality of upland is higher quality, and larger than offshore sand. Higher quality sand should lead to reduced environmental impact, greater durability, and in the end a longer lasting beach.
Project Construction-upland sand will be brought in with trucks.
Regulatory Issues-the upland project would make it easier to obtain permits.
Funding-there is state funds set aside for this type of project. Pompano Beach, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea and Fort Lauderdale have pledged money towards this important restoration project.
Governor Rick Scott has asked the federal government for an additional $67.2 million to help repair the beaches, piers and public property from Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach and all the way up to Brevard County.
Source: Sun-Sentinel
