Board approves Hitchcock Center boardwalk contract; insurance, FEMA expected to cover most costs

The County Board of Supervisors approved a contract to replace the Hitchcock Center boardwalk, a county staff member said, with an estimated contract amount discussed in the meeting of about $160,000.

Staff and risk-management personnel described the scope: replacement of damaged wood boardwalk sections using treated (“green”) wood, additional structural supports such as angle-iron supports and spanning posts, and railing mitigation measures intended to increase resilience if future trees fall onto the trail. Staff said they expected angle-iron support and spanning posts to be installed across relevant trail sections and both sides of the railing.

Meeting participants said insurance proceeds already received total about $100,000 and that FEMA public-assistance funds could cover additional damage costs once the insurance side is sorted. Staff characterized the net cost to the county as negligible after insurance and FEMA reimbursements, though they said the county may have a small upfront cost for mitigation efforts. One staff member said they hoped to see some FEMA funds by year-end but that timing depends on project categorization and processing under FEMA’s small-project threshold.

Board members asked whether composite materials would be used; staff said the replacement will be treated wood rather than composite. Staff said work will begin after the contract is signed and that the contractor will provide a project start date, likely within weeks.

A board member moved to approve the contract; a second was recorded and the motion passed by voice vote.