River Ridge CDD to help coordinate on storm-surge resilience planning

Eric Long, PSGRC general manager, told the River Ridge Board on Oct. 22 that Pelican Sound is developing a five- to ten-year action plan to build resilience for storms and climate change and that an advisory/review panel is being considered.

Long described a hypothetical topographic analysis: "a 10' to 12' storm surge could have caused 45% to 55% of the community to be flooded," and said planning will require coordination with state, county and village agencies and potentially the Army Corps of Engineers if funding becomes available. District counsel Tony Pires cautioned that large projects would depend on funding and intergovernmental approvals.

The board supported the initiative and reached a consensus that Mr. Long and newly appointed board member Keith Merrill would assist with coordination, and that district engineer Charlie Krebs is authorized to help as necessary. No binding financial commitments were made at the meeting; the discussion established the district’s willingness to designate representatives and provide staff or engineering support as plans are developed.

The next steps are for staff and the designated representatives to participate in planning discussions, clarify funding opportunities, and report back to the board on scope and timeline.