Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Marine Conservation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Tri‑county proposal asks Walton County to contribute to SS United States artificial reef; county staff told to explore $1M option
Summary
Okaloosa County asked Walton County to join a regional contribution for deployment of the SS United States as an artificial reef. The TDC discussed a $2 million ask ( $1M deployment + $1M marketing over three years); council members asked staff to explore a $1 million contribution and return with details.
Okaloosa County requested Walton County join a regional effort with Bay County and others to deploy the SS United States as an artificial reef; Okaloosa had purchased the vessel and sought regional marketing and deployment partners.
Matt Algren, Walton County tourism director, told the council "they are asking of us is a $2,000,000 contribution. 1,000,000 of that would be for the actual deployment of the vessel, and that would be paid out by October of 20 25. The second part of their ask is for an additional $1,000,000 in marketing support paid out over a 3 year period." The proposed deployment would create one of the largest artificial reefs in U.S. waters and is being promoted as a recreational diving and fisheries habitat project.
Melinda Gates, Walton County environmental staff, told the council the county itself does not currently hold permits that extend beyond state waters and that the reef would require regional permitting and coordination. She said other nearby counties are also being asked: Bay County's TDC has approved a $3 million commitment so far and Escambia County was reported to be considering $2 million.
Council members pressed on funding source and location: Bay County conditioned its participation on deployment in an "orange dot" site roughly due south of Miramar Beach, a site several council members said would be accessible to Walton County anglers and charters. Several members expressed concern about drawing from reserves and suggested any Walton County contribution be budgeted in the coming fiscal year rather than pulled from current reserves.
After discussion the council directed staff to return with additional options, including exploring whether Walton County's share could be $1 million rather than $2 million and to report back to the council or Board of County Commissioners with a recommendation.
Ending: Staff will review the deployment site stipulations, the regional partners' commitments and funding timing and return with a recommendation to county decision‑makers.
