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East Naples Bay board asks consultant to seek Army Corps reverification so federal permit stays open
Summary
The East Naples Bay Authority voted to ask Stantec to request reverification from the U.S. Army Corps so the project’s nationwide maintenance permit (NWP 35) remains active through 2031 and to avoid actions that would close the state DEP permit. The move keeps federal and state authorizations available for emergency or private dredging.
The East Naples Bay Authority on Thursday voted to ask consultant Stantec to request reverification from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers so the project’s nationwide maintenance permit (NWP 35) remains open and available through 2031.
Matthew Starr of Stantec told the board the Army Corps permit expired while construction was ongoing but carries a one-year grace period; he recommended filing for reverification so the authority “won't close the permits. We'll keep them open.” Starr said leaving the federal and state permits open would also allow private property owners to pursue local dredging more easily because state and federal approvals would already be in place.
Board members discussed the administrative steps and minor annual maintenance fees associated with keeping the permits active. One member urged clarity in the record and a formal motion so the board’s intent would be documented. After a motion and second, the board approved the action by voice vote.
Why it matters: keeping the Army Corps and DEP permits active preserves the authority’s ability to respond quickly after storms and to support private dredging without restarting time-consuming federal and state permitting processes. Members said the move also positions the district to document pre-storm conditions if they pursue FEMA reimbursement after a significant event.
The board asked Stantec to file the reverification request with the Army Corps and to take “do nothing” steps that would avoid inadvertently closing the state DEP permit. The motion as stated directed Stantec to pursue reverification to keep the USACE permit open until 2031 and to take measures to prevent actions that would close the DEP authorization.
Board chair Gary Gregg said the request should be treated like the beach-nourishment model, where permits are managed and modified over time to remain available for emergency work. Starr added that reverification while construction continues should be a straightforward email-based process rather than a full re-permitting effort.
The board did not set an exact dollar authorization for the reverification; Stantec noted minor maintenance fees (roughly $80 per year, payable at renewal) may apply. The board recorded the action and will include permit stewardship in future planning and the June project wrap-up.
