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Canal advisory committee seeks finance briefing on FEMA reimbursements, seawalls and budgets
Summary
The Punta Gorda Isles Canal Advisory Committee asked staff to arrange a finance presentation for the Aug. 18 meeting to explain FEMA reimbursements, project budgets and contractor status; members also discussed seawall replacement progress, riprap monies and permitting delays.
The Punta Gorda Isles Canal Advisory Committee asked canal staff and the city clerk to arrange a detailed presentation from the finance department at the committee's Aug. 18 meeting to explain FEMA reimbursements, project budgets and contractor progress following Hurricane Ian and earlier storms.
Board members raised repeated requests for a clear breakdown showing what the city has submitted to FEMA, what funds have been received per disaster (Irma, Ian, Milton, Helene), what remains pending, and how much the city could ultimately be responsible for if reimbursements fall short. "What have we asked for, what have we gotten, and what do we really expect back from FEMA?" asked board member Harry Wahlberg during the discussion.
Canal staff reported progress on seawall replacement projects and described an intent to carry remaining contract balances into the next fiscal year while starting a new three‑year contract. Staff said one project (Casey Key) was taking longer because of rain and site conditions and that several large worksites — described as Northwest 2 and Southwest areas — remain underway. On the project‑completion figures, staff noted regular internal tracking and told the committee the project graph shows seawall replacement work at about "68% right now on that graphing." (staff comment)
Committee members asked for an accounting of invoices and payments, and clarification of the $30 million borrowing line referenced during the meeting. Staff explained that the city has used borrowing to pay contractors as work progresses and expects to pursue FEMA reimbursement after invoicing and closeout steps are completed.
Other operational updates included mangrove trimming (contract signed and scheduling to start), ongoing dredging, and permitting for spoil‑site use; staff also reported that an item involving the Department of Environmental Protection and sovereign lands has been delayed while the city seeks state trustee action and consultant follow‑up.
The committee did not adopt a formal motion but recorded consensus to request the finance presentation and to compile a written list of specific questions for finance via the board secretary, Laurel Adleman. The committee did take one formal vote earlier in the meeting: a motion to approve the previous meeting's minutes. Ken Rowland moved to approve the minutes; Eric Wilberg seconded and the motion "passes unanimously," according to the meeting record.
Next steps: committee members will submit specific questions to the board secretary, canal staff will coordinate with finance for the August 18 meeting, and staff will continue to provide monthly project tracking charts and permit updates.
