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Taylor County moves forward on seafood planning, reef work and debris removal funding
Summary
The board reviewed and authorized steps on multiple grant‑funded projects: a $298,445 feasibility grant for a commercial seafood tote lot, a multi‑county artificial reef proposal with match funding, and a budget transfer to begin debris/waterway removal (up to $140,000).
Taylor County commissioners reviewed several grants and budget items at the March 17 meeting and authorized staff to move forward on planning and procurement steps.
A Florida Rural Infrastructure Fund grant (presented as $298,445) was discussed to fund a planning and feasibility study for a commercial seafood tote lot and facility in Steinhatchee; the project is 100% grant funded and staff noted regional partners and letters of support (Dixie County) and a commitment of match funds from the Coastal Conservation Association in the range of $60,000.
Staff also reported on a grant and bid for an artificial reef reconstruction at Buckeye Reef; the county received one responsive bid from Walter Marine (Orange Beach, AL) for $59,998.92. Staff described outreach to contractors and a plan to use multi‑county proposals to maximize grant caps.
For emergency cleanup, staff solicited quotes for debris and waterway removal and recommended a budget transfer of up to $140,000 (from bed tax/sales tax reserves) to start removal work; three responses were received and the total estimate is roughly $125,000–$140,000 depending on contractor participation. Commissioners emphasized the urgency to clear navigational hazards and asked for GPS coordinates of major obstructions for future grant requests.
Next steps: staff will advertise for qualifications where appropriate, prepare procurement documents, accept the awarded grants’ next steps and, after processing the budget transfer, begin debris removal work immediately.
