By DOTTY NIST
More than $1 million of funding has been announced for Walton County projects as part of the third set of early restoration projects approved through the Natural Resources Damage Assessment (NRDA) process.
NRDA is a legal process that seeks to compensate the public in five Gulf Coast states for harm to natural resources and human uses resulting from the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. In 2011, BP agreed to provide a total of $1 billion in NRDA early restoration funding.
The Phase III set of early restoration projects was approved on Oct. 3 by the NRDA trustees. On Oct. 7, Florida Governor Rick Scott announced $88 million in NRDA early restoration funding for 28 projects in the Florida Panhandle.
On Oct. 10, Ashley M. Williams of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) provided information to the Herald-Breeze on NRDA Phase III projects to be funded in Walton County.
These are to include a paved access road, additional parking, picnic shelters, and a restroom at Deer Lake State Park at a cost of $588,500.
Funding for a $207,850 project to improve the Lafayette Creek Boat Dock has been approved, as well. Plans are for the dock to be expanded by 400 feet in order to accommodate larger vessels.
In addition, a total of $386,291 was approved for Walton County boardwalk and dune walkover projects , along with a bay park improvement project.
At the Ed Walline Regional Beach Access, the pavilions and restroom fixtures are to be replaced and all interior plumbing upgraded.
At the Gulfview Heights Regional Beach Access, restroom fixtures will be replaced, all interior plumbing upgraded, and all soffits on the pavilions will be repaired.
At the Palms of Dune Allen West Beach Access, a dune walkover is to be constructed.
At the Bayside Ranchettes Park, a small county-owned parcel on the Choctawhatchee Bay on East Mitchell Avenue, construction of a parking area, picnic table, dock and steps into the water are to be funded, providing for public access to the bay.
In addition to projects specific to Walton County, Williams said Walton County will also share in the over $11 million in funding approved for artificial reef projects to be constructed along the coast between Escambia County and Gulf County.
She added that the $2.98 million approved for enhancement of scallop fishing opportunities may also benefit Walton County, depending on the result of initial efforts in Bay County and St. Andrews Bay.
A potential Walton County fish hatchery has been on the Walton County’s “wish list” for NRDA funding since 2011 at a price tag of $13 million. Included in the Phase III early restoration funding was almost $19 million for a fish hatchery, but Williams said those funds will go to Pensacola.
