County pursuing $4.7 million plan to dredge canals

Posted on December 8, 2017

Using more $4 million dollars in funds generated from administrative fines and civil penalties from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the Taylor County Commission plans to undertake a 15-year plan to dredge, restore and enhance five miles of canals and channels along the Taylor County coast.

At a recent Nov. 6 meeting, commissioners voted 5-0 to submit its “Multi-Year Implementation Plan” to the Department of Treasury, which oversees the Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund (RESTORE Act) and administers two grant programs that counties can use to “restore and protect the natural resources, ecosystems, fisheries, marine and wildlife habitats, beaches, coastal wetlands and economy of the Gulf Coast region.”

PHOTO: A look down the main Keaton Beach canal during a normal high tide appears to show plenty of water for boats to navigate, however during low tide, winter or full moon tides, many boats are unable to enter or exit due to a lack of water.

Subscribe to our e-Edition and read the rest of the story. Already a subscriber? Click here to sign in.