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Commission approves design funding request for living shoreline with caveats on county funds near Eglin property
Summary
The board approved a request to receive grant funding to complete 100% design for a proposed living shoreline project near Marler and Veterans Park and along the route toward Destin; commissioners sought assurances before using county funds because portions of the shoreline border state road and Eglin Air Force Base property.
The Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a request on July 1 to accept funding that would advance a living shoreline project to 100% design, but commissioners attached a clear caveat: before the county obligates any local dollars, staff must complete due diligence with Eglin Air Force Base and provide assurances about access and the risk of closure.
Background and scope: The item seeks funding to move a living shoreline design — a shoreline restoration and habitat project — from 60% to 100% design, covering areas near Marler Park, Veterans Park and a stretch on the left side of the roadway toward Destin where seabird nesting is present. Staff said the first 60% of design already received funding and that the 100% design request would require no county match for this portion; earlier phases included a local match component.
Why it matters: Commissioners noted the proposed project would restore habitat, support fishing and snorkeling access by boat, and provide shoreline stabilization and wildlife benefits. At the same time, portions of the shoreline border state right-of-way and Eglin Air Force Base property; commissioners wanted written assurance that the project will not be closed or inaccessible to the public due to base operations before committing county funds to design or construction.
What the board decided: Commissioner Goodwin moved to approve the funding request with an added condition that “before any county dollars are obligated for the project, that we do some more due diligence, with Eglin to make sure there’s assurances this isn’t going to get closed down.” Commissioner Palmer seconded; the motion passed unanimously. Staff said approving the design funding would not obligate the county to construction — it would authorize design and permitting work only.
Next steps: Staff will pursue the 100% design funding and perform due diligence with Eglin Air Force Base about access and closure risk before the board obligates county funds for future phases of the project.
