Port approves Fort Fushon marsh-creation cooperative agreement, staff calls it a milestone for coastal restoration

The Greater Fushon Port Commission approved a cooperative endeavor agreement (TE-10171) to proceed with the Fort Fushon Marsh Creation Project, a marsh-restoration effort that will use material dredged from Bell Pass and nearby navigation channels to build marsh in designated restoration areas.

"As we discussed on Monday night, this is a project that we're going to be partnering on," said Bryce Otan, who briefed the commission. He described the project as "the first project going to bid that will be taking material from a navigable channel and using it for coastal restoration," and said staff and partners see it as a "big deal." The cooperative agreement passed on a motion and second and carried on a voice vote.

Why it matters: Using dredged material from navigation channels for marsh creation is an emerging practice in coastal restoration that can advance habitat creation while providing material for shoreline and marsh rebuilding. Staff said the plan involves material from Bell Pass and push material to build marsh in the project's purple-designated area.

Next steps: Staff indicated the project will proceed to procurement and permitting steps required for dredging and material placement; commissioners approved the cooperative agreement and directed staff to move forward with coordination with partnering agencies.