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Town staff outlines new funding approach for Laguna Channel dredging after grant attempts failed
Summary
After unsuccessful grant attempts, town staff told the task force they are drafting a special assessment strategy, working with town attorneys and Lee County staff to estimate volumes, permitting needs and costs for Laguna Channel dredging.
Town staff reported June 11 that earlier attempts to secure outside grants for dredging canals—including FEMA funding, a Florida legislative grant effort and other sources—were not successful, and staff is preparing a new funding approach that would rely on a special assessment, legal review and community outreach.
Michael Thornton, a resident who spoke during public comment, asked for an update on the canal‑dredging funding progress; Chad, the town staff member, said staff is still researching funding and would provide an update at a future meeting if available. Later in the meeting Chad gave a more detailed update: the town has attempted multiple grant avenues and will instead propose a special assessment process that is under legal review. Chad said the work will require permitting, pre‑construction surveys and accurate volume estimates to calculate costs and an assessment amount.
Chad said the town is coordinating with its attorneys and has sought advice from the Lee County manager’s office to develop the path forward. He added that the process is complex and will require community support, permitting and additional technical work before construction can begin.
No formal vote or special assessment was adopted at the June 11 meeting; staff said they would continue legal review and outreach to determine feasibility and next steps.
