Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
March 21, 2019 7:27 p.m.
Late this afternoon the City of Fernandina Beach finally received the official go ahead from the Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) to proceed with repairs to the northern portion of the Fernandina Harbor Marina attenuator. The repairs, which include removing and replacing an existing floating dock structure and pilings as well as a gangway, are needed to return the marina to its pre-Hurricane Matthew (2016) operation condition. Work in the marina’s south basin was previously permitted and is underway.
In the letter, signed by Col. Andrew D. Kelly, Jr., ACE District Commander, the city was also put on notice that “that the applicant [city] utilize the Congressional Authorization to move the Federal Channel westwards or the attenuator structure be removed if the full navigation channel width is ever needed.”
This permit clears the way for work to begin on replacing the fuel dock and pump out stations in the city marina. More information on that will be published as it becomes available.
Editor’s Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne’s many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.