As tcpalm.com reports, a $2.5 million expansion of the St. Lucie Inlet dredging project is expected to put off the need for the next dredging project by a year.
Martin County commissioners voted unanimously to authorize county engineers to negotiate with Norfolk Dredging of Chesapeake, Va., to expand the dredging project to a total of 450,000 cubic yards at a cost of up to $8.9 million.
The original $6.4 million contract called for the dredging of 300,000 cubic yards from the navigation channel and impoundment basin, county records show. That was expected to keep the channel navigable for two years.
Assuming Norfolk Dredging can remove another 150,000 cubic yards of sand from the inlet before turtle nesting season starts May 1, another dredging project won’t be needed for up to three years, County Engineer Don Donaldson said after the commission vote.
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Dredging Today Staff, March 29, 2012; Image: Martin County Board of County Commissioners