4/9/1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

BOOK 103 PAGE 2,5 Congressman Weldon assured the Commissioners that he would have his staff investigate those funding sources and get back to them. He believed that the federal funds are coming from a disaster supplemental and noted that, unfortunately, the erosion in response to storms has to be of sufficient caliber to show up on CNN before federal funding becomes available. Commissioner Adams commented that the County does not want to wait until it is eligible for FEMA storm damage funding. She thanked the Congressman for his support and his report on some of the national issues. Commissioner Tippin commended Commissioner Adams for her almost single- handedly obtaining so many State dollars and noted that time is of the essence regarding funding for the beach renourishment project; our beaches are disappearing and we have talked this to death. Action cannot wait any longer. Chairman Macht then introduced Mayor Art Neuberger of the City of Vero Beach. Mayor Neuberger thanked the Board and Congressman Weldon for sharing the information. Commissioner Adams noted that she needed to break offher telephone connection as she has a meeting scheduled regarding the Dodgertown issue and a later meeting with Historical Resources on the shared title issue. Chairman Macht opened the meeting for brief public comments. Bill Glynn, a Director of the Downdrift Coalition, took issue with the statement that the state-owned Sebastian Inlet Taxing District did not fall under the federal category. The Inlet was built by the US Navy and Coast Guard and then turned over to the State. Those jetties are the largest coastal armoring in our State and our beaches are being destroyed a grain of sand at a time. He advised the Congressman that it is important that he remain updated on the problems. Walt Stieglitz, President of Pelican Island Preservation Society, thanked the Commission for its support and Congressman Weldon for his help in funding to acquire the Pelican Island Refuge. He noted that the Refuge is under more threat today than since it was created in 1903. The buffer area discussed today is particularly needed as 49 acres on the south side have already been lost to a developer. Bob Bruce of the North Beach Civic Association noted that the Association's members surround the buffer area and also support the purchase. APRIL, 9,1999 -4-