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Grant deadline threatens half of Sammers Bay break-wall funding; committee approves Lake Boykin cost share
Summary
The committee heard that a grant expiring March 31 could jeopardize about $450,000 of a roughly $1 million Sammers Bay (Terrells Island) break-wall project; members asked staff to pursue extensions while also approving a $50,000 county cost share for a Lake Boykin phase estimated at $329,120.
Committee members were warned that a key grant worth roughly $450,000 toward a $1 million break-wall project at Sammers (Terrells Island) is set to expire March 31, and staff said they are pursuing an extension to avoid losing about half the project's funding.
Director Chad described the Sammers Bay project and the permit challenge: a DNR draft permit had originally included a lengthy restriction on construction during sturgeon spearing season, which the director said the department contested with DNR staff and higher-ups; Chad told the committee he was later informed that the restrictive language was removed from the permit draft.
"We're really gonna try and get part of your project built this winter," Chad said, noting that winter ice or barge-based construction could allow the county to meet the grant timeline if conditions permit.
Committee members pressed about easements, bid results (three bids with a roughly $175,000 difference depending on open-water versus winter construction), and the possibility of losing half the grant if construction cannot proceed in time. Staff said they will push for an extension but also prepare to build a portion of the project during winter conditions if ice and permitting allow.
Separately, the committee reviewed and approved a county cost-share agreement for the Lake Boykin break-wall phase under discussion: staff estimated the parcel-level work at about $329,120 and requested a $50,000 county contribution to leverage state and federal grants and local matching funds; members approved the cost share by voice vote.
Next steps: staff will pursue grant-extension options, continue easement and permit work with DNR, and proceed with contracting for the Lake Boykin phase using the approved county contribution to attract additional grant funding and private match.
