TO: Board of County Commissioners
THROUGH: John A. Titkanich, Jr. County Administrator
Kylie Yanchula, Natural Resources Director
FROM: Quintin Bergman, Coastal Resource Manager
DATE: June 3, 2025
SUBJECT: Grant Application for Funding Assistance from the State of Florida Beach
Erosion Control Program - FY 2026/27
__________________________________________________________________
BACKGROUND
The Coastal Division is planning a beach restoration project for Sector 5 in Fiscal Year 25/26. This beach restoration project will involve sand placement and installation of dune plants to address background erosion as well as losses from Hurricanes Ian and Nicole. In August of 2023, it was estimated that 112,100 cubic yards of sand and 423,360 dune plants have been lost from the permitted Sector 5 construction template. The estimated construction cost to replace all template losses is $8,407,887. Following the completion of the Summer 2025 Hydrographic Surveys, the Engineer of Record will update the estimated sand volume and construction costs.
As of June 1, 2025, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) is accepting applications for the FY 2026/27 Local Government Funding Request (LGFR) through the Beach Management Funding Assistance Program (Program). LGFR Grants provide State cost share funds to assist governmental entities with expenses for approved activities associated with beach nourishment projects that include project design, engineering studies, environmental studies, construction activities and monitoring costs consistent with the FDEP’s Strategic Beach Management Plan. If awarded, the program provides financial assistance for up to 50% reimbursement of the project costs.
On June 20, 2023, the Board of County Commissioners (Board) approved LGFR Grant 23IR2 for state legislatively allocated reimbursement funds in which the local match requirement was waived. 23IR2 contained funds for several beach management sectors, including $885,600 for Sector 5.
On June 6, 2024, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) obligated federal assistance for losses associated with Hurricanes Ian and Nicole in the amount of 75%. Losses from Sector 5 associated with these storm events amount to 13,036 cubic yards of sand and 423,360 dune plants, with an estimated construction cost of $2,358,712.
The upcoming Sector 5 Hurricanes Ian and Nicole Beach and Dune Restoration Project is eligible for FDEP’s recently announced 2026/27 LGFR Program. The proposed grant application would identify approximately $5,113,574.81 in needed funds. If awarded this additional LGFR grant, with the anticipated 50/50 state/local cost share, FDEP would obligate $2,556,787.41 and the County’s share would be $2,556,787.41.
The Program application requires a funding resolution from the Local Sponsor indicating the County’s ability to provide the full cost local share and identification of the funding source. The proposed resolution is attached. The Resolution does not specify a specific dollar amount and does not commit the County to perform the project. However, the Resolution enables the Department to consider the County’s LGFR application for Fiscal Year 2026/2027.
ANALYSIS
N/A
BUDGETARY IMPACT
The Sector 5 beach restoration project has multiple funding sources. The County has secured Local Government Funding Agreement (LGFR 23IR2) reimbursement grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) that provides up to an estimated $885,600 in funding, as well as eligibility for reimbursement through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the amount of $2,358,712.88 for Hurricanes Ian and Nicole. Sufficient funding will be included in the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 budget in the Beach Restoration Fund/Coastal Engineering/Sector 5 Nourishment account, number 12814472-066510-22601 (Hurricane Ian) for $562,493.23 & 12814472-066510-23007 (Hurricane Nicole) for $1,994,294.18, in the total amount of $2,556,787.41 should this LGFR application be funded.
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTIONS
Approval of Work Order No. 2018029-13 - APTIM Sector 5 Pre-Construction and Engineering Services.
Approval of FDEP Grant Agreement No. 23IR2.
Approval of Grant Application for Funding Assistance from the State of Florida Beach Erosion Control Program - FY 2024/2025.
POTENTIAL FUTURE BOARD ACTIONS
Acceptance of a future FDEP Grant Agreement
Award of Bid for a future Sector 5 Beach and Dune Restoration Project
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
Environment
OTHER PLAN ALIGNMENT
The Sector 5 management area is one of the 8 management areas outlined in the Beach Preservation Plan.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends the BCC approval of the attached funding resolution. Staff also recommends the BCC approve staff to apply for the grant and to authorize Natural Resources Director to sign required grant application documents on behalf of Indian River County.