Gulf County declares local emergency, moves to award $38.6 million bid for Saint Joseph Peninsula renourishment

Gulf County commissioners on July 22 declared a local state of emergency and voted to move forward with awarding a $38,594,421.50 bid to Weeks Marine for the Saint Joseph Peninsula Beach Renourishment and Coastal Structures Project, with staff authorized to review and negotiate final terms.

The action, approved 5-0, followed a single-bid opening and public testimony emphasizing urgent shoreline erosion and habitat loss. County Administrator Michael Hamill said the county would press ahead "come hell or high water" if needed to protect the coastline and residents’ property. The board also authorized the chairman to accept an anticipated $1,800,000 DEP grant and sign related agreements as they arrive.

Why it matters: The project covers more than 26 miles of coastal environment the county says is crucial for property protection and endangered-species habitat. Public speakers and a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service representative told the board delays were costing nests and habitat and that swift action was needed.

Details: The board received one responsive bid at $38,594,421.50 and voted to let county staff "review and award contingent upon me and Clay, reviewing and potentially negotiating," the administrator said. The board then voted to declare a local state of emergency so staff and the chair can move quickly; the motion to adopt the emergency passed unanimously.

Christy Yanchess, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, said at the meeting, "I just came over here today to show my support for this project. I'm ready for it to get going, get started." Pat Hardman of the Coastal Community Association told commissioners, "This is absolutely legitimate, beyond a shadow of a doubt. You've got houses falling in. You've got turtle nests being washed over."

Funding and next steps: Commissioners were told the county has assembled multiple funding sources, including RESTORE and other state and federal grant programs; county staff reported an additional $1.8 million from DEP toward the project. County counsel said the emergency declaration will give the administrator and chair authority to move contracts and procurement forward consistent with law and funding conditions. The county also discussed other possible sources to cover shortfalls, including TDC funds.

The board instructed staff to return with final contract documents for chairman signature once negotiations and legal review are complete, and commissioners said they expect follow-up reports on funding, permits and scheduling.

Ending: Commissioners voted 5-0 both to declare the emergency and to move forward with contingent award and grant acceptance. The project will advance to final review and contracting steps; staff will publish any agreement documents and return to the board with updates and advertised public hearings as required.