The Wiggins Pass and Doctors Pass Dredge Project is moving ahead, the City of Naples, Florida, said.
Dredging equipment has been moved to Doctors Pass and the dredging work is already underway – set to last approximately 2 weeks dependent on equipment and weather conditions.
The dredged sand from Doctors Pass will be placed on the beach in the Lowdermilk Park area with a secondary location being just south of the pass if needed.
A pipe will be placed from Doctors Pass to Lowdermilk Park and will be buried on the beach to allow for as much public use of the beach as possible.
Approximately 25,700 cubic yards from Doctors Pass is expected to be removed.
Major maintenance dredging at both Wiggins Pass and Doctors Pass typically occurs on a four-year cycle with minor interim dredging in-between.
Annual monitoring surveys are performed to keep a close eye on the condition of the inlets, and to observe the performance of the periodic maintenance dredging.
Gator Dredging is the county’s contractor for this project.
Funds for the $2 million project are provided from Tourist Development Taxes and partial reimbursement may be provided by a grant from Florida Department of Environmental Protection.