CRA extends Ocean Rescue Alliance contract 180 days as state reviews nearshore reef placements; camera installation pending

The CRA board on Sept. 3 approved a walk‑on resolution extending Ocean Rescue Alliance Inc.’s contract for an additional 180 days so staff can complete permitting and final inspections tied to a nearshore artificial reef project.

Deputy Director Susan Goldberg and the CRA executive explained that the contractor’s representative was not available at the meeting and that the extension was requested so staff can finalize placements and resolving a small number of locations that appear to sit slightly outside the originally permitted footprint.

Goldberg said the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) sent a notice in June and the CRA’s consultant procured the permit. Goldberg told the board her consultant had requested written notice from FDEP identifying specific issues; the last communication indicated DEP would provide that information within 30 days. She said possible remedies could include in‑field adjustments, not necessarily moving the modules, depending on the DEP response.

Board discussion and responsibilities
Board members asked whether the contractor had supplied GPS locations or placement documentation; staff said they had requested GPS and crane placement records and would compare them with DEP’s documented locations. Goldberg said final inspection and approval by the permitting agency must be received before final payments and holdback release. She confirmed that the contract makes Ocean Rescue Alliance fully responsible for placement and remediation costs if adjustments are required.

Motion and next steps
Board Member Calari moved to approve the 180‑day contract extension; Board Member Shewham seconded. The board voted unanimously. Staff will await the written FDEP findings, conduct a GPS‑to‑permit comparison with contractor records, and return updates at the October meeting. The board also recorded that items 10 and 11 were withdrawn from the agenda pending additional documentation and inspection results.