Taylor County begins RESTORE Act-funded feasibility study for Keaton Beach and Steinhatchee boat-ramps and bypass options

Taylor County commissioners on Tuesday opened public input on a RESTORE Act-funded feasibility study to address traffic and boat‑ramp access at Keaton Beach and Steinhatchee.

The study, funded by RESTORE Act grant money and carried out by a competitively selected consultant, is intended to be a planning-level evaluation only and does not authorize construction, county staff and consultants said. The consultant said it will collect traffic counts (including peak July 4 counts), geotechnical and right‑of‑way data, and environmental information to develop multiple design options and a “no‑build” baseline.

The county is pursuing the study after a board‑directed grant application. County staff told the board the work is fully grant funded; consultants emphasized the study phase alone will not result in eminent‑domain acquisition.

John Combs, the project contact from the consultant team, said: “We're actually really excited about this project, the the Schenhatchy And Keaton Beach boat ramp feasibility study.” Clint Plesser, introduced as the consultant…