County engineering staff reported to the board on Aug. 4 that a derelict-pier evaluation along approximately six miles of Hancock County coastline identified about 960 pilings and estimated the total removal cost at just over $500,000.

Why it matters: County staff said the inventory will inform removal and remediation work on shoreline piers and pilings. The count and cost estimate will inform budgeting and any grant or mitigation requests.

Details presented: The presenter said the team inventoried and evaluated piers and pilings along the coastline and that some pilings had decking (boards) and others did not. The presenter listed the total estimated cost as "a little over 500,000" and said the inventory covered six miles of shoreline.

Board action: The report was provided as informational to the board; no separate motion or funding appropriation for removal was made during the meeting. Supervisors requested staff follow up on next steps and funding options when they bring recommendations forward.

Ending: Staff indicated they would pursue follow-up steps, including identifying potential funding sources and next steps for removing or securing derelict structures as appropriate.