The city of Bonita Springs has submitted an application for approximately $494,700 in beach and shoreline grants from the Lee County Tourist Development Council.
The requests are as follows:
1. Maintenance of Bonita Springs River Park, located on the southern bank of the Imperial River off the west side of U.S. 41: $34,700.
2. Beach renourishment: $260,000.
3. Extension of Bonita Springs River Park boardwalks, shell paths: $200,000 for capital project.
John Gucciardo , Bonita’s assistant city manager, stressed that the city is already getting up to $1.2 million for the county’s share of beach renourishment. “ We’re asking for an additional 25 percent more or less on top of that, ” he said. “This is in no way affects the ($1.2 million) the city already has set aside. What we are hoping if we are successful in getting some of these funds, the general fund dollars can be held there either for future use or reassigned.”
The TDC board is going to hold a workshop on May 2 and recommendations will be made on May 11. The Lee County commissioners will start approving projects in September as an integral part of their annual budget process.
[mappress]
Dredging Today Staff, February 27, 2012