Press Release
November 3, 2016 4:08 p.m.
REVISED 9:15 A.M., NOVEMBER 4, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, November 2, 2016 – In a Special Meeting held on Tuesday, November 1st, the Board of County Commissioners approved an expanded contract with AshBritt Environmental to immediately begin cleanup of Amelia Island beaches. Beach operations are expected to begin early next week and will last approximately ten days. The contract covers the entire expanse of Amelia Island, excluding the two state parks.
The Commission, with the support of the Amelia Island Tourist Development Council (AITDC), voted to use up to $1 million in Tourist Development Reserves for removal of demolition and marsh grass debris from the beaches. In the proposal submitted, AshBritt estimates over 30,000 cubic yards of natural and manmade debris remain as the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew. After considering the health, safety, and economic issues involved, the Commission decided to act without waiting for assistance from state and federal agencies.
Chairman Walter Boatright stated, “We have been in constant contact with officials from Florida DEP and FEMA to gauge what assistance might be available, however we decided to move forward using the beach reserve funds built up over the years by the AITDC. This is exactly why we have reserve funds – to get us back to full speed as soon as possible after a major event like Matthew.”
AITDC Commission member and Chair of the AITDC Danny Leeper noted that moving forward is essential to the recovery of the tourism economy. ‘The tourism industry is critical to Nassau County. It generates 38% of the taxable sales and provides jobs for 25% of our workforce. Although we have rebounded somewhat, we lost over $6.5 million in business at hotels, restaurants, and attractions during the storm. Without addressing the beach debris, it makes it difficult to move forward.”
Leeper added that no local tax dollars will be spent on the project. Tourist Development Funds are generated from bed taxes charged to overnight guests at Amelia Island lodging facilities. The funds generated are also used to promote tourism.
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If you have any questions, please contact Public Works at (904) 530-6225.
We have just learned that FDEP will be financially responsible for beach cleanup east of the erosion control line.