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11 . G . 5e STAFF REPORT ON BEACH EROSION <br /> Public Works Director Jim Davis showed some photographs (PHOTOGRAPHS ARE <br /> ON FILE WITH THE BACKUP FOR TODAY ' S MEETING) of differing areas of the <br /> beach which have been aggressively eroded during the last couple of months . He believed <br /> that a lot of the lost sand which was replaced in January of 2001 will eventually come back <br /> but the critical problem is now . There are very unstable escarpments which have been <br /> created and we are in danger of losing the vegetation on the dunes . Sand is needed quickly <br /> to alleviate these situations . Staff has been out on the beaches daily meeting with <br /> representatives of the Department of Environmental Protection and property owners trying <br /> to get some emergency measures in place . Several property owners are now having to <br /> consider emergency seawalls . The eroded dune walkovers have been closed but are in <br /> danger of collapsing . He asked the Board to authorize at least $ 35 , 000 for emergency sand ; <br /> $ 25 , 000 for Treasure Shores ; $ 5 , 000 for Golden Sands ; and $ 5 , 000 for Wabasso Beach . It <br /> is possible that staff may have to ask for more but the $ 35 , 000 will at least take care of the <br /> most critical emergencies . <br /> Commissioner Adams agreed that the beaches are severely eroded and we need to <br /> protect the existing infrastructures . We also need to recognize that the sand now being <br /> replaced is sacrificial until we can get an equilibrium built up . We were fortunate we had <br /> FEMA monies to replace some sand last year but the Board should understand that the <br /> erosion covers the whole 22 miles of beachfront . We have probably lost 6 to 8 feet in the <br /> dunes over the past week . She agreed that $ 35 , 000 will probably not go far enough but felt <br /> the funds should come from the beach or sales tax funds , not from the general fund <br /> contingency . <br /> Chairman Ginn questioned whether staff had considered joining with any other <br /> counties to apply to FEMA for emergency funds , and Director Davis agreed to contact other <br /> NOVEMBER 6 , 2001 <br /> - 85 - <br />