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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPWBC-Minutes 09-28-11JA Minutes of the Wilmington, New Hanover County Port, Waterway and Beach Commission September 28, 2011 4:00 p.m. Chamber Board Room Members Present: Neal Andrew, Layton Bedsole, David Cignotti, Chris Coudriet, Jim Dugan, Kevin O’Grady, Van Reid, Dave Weaver, Dan Wilcox, Paul Woodbury ,Joe Augustine, and Howard Loving Guests: Col. Steven A. Baker, Dennis Barbour, Christine Brayman, Elden Gatwood, Jim Iannucci, Lara Landgraf, Hank Maser, Patricia Mutson, Kathleen Riely, Robert Schoonmaker , Emily Swearinger, Todd Walton The meeting was called to order by Chrm.Bedsole and he welcomed Neal Andrew to the Commission. He asked everyone to introduce themselves and this was accomplished. Weaver/Reid moved to accept the minutes of the last meeting as circulated. The motion carried. Under old business Chrm. Bedsole brought up the permitting process that Jim Iannucci briefly overviewed. Cignotti inquired about the time-line for federal action approving contributing funds authorization for shore protection projects. The Corps ‘ response was that it is currently in the House of Representatives. Councilman O’Grady requested a copy of the draft interlocal agreement for review and comment. Chrm. Bedsole ensured a copy would be provided. Mr.Iannucci shared the current approach of bringing all stakeholders to the table to discuss the agreement. Methods for future funding of the Carolina Beach Inlet dredging will be a focus of next month’s meeting. Chrm. Bedsole requested all members bring suggestions and approaches to the next meeting. Membership in the N. C. Water resources Congress @$250.00 for governmental agencies was brought up by Chrm. Bedsole. Our membership has been a tradition said Augustine and unless someone objects, there should be a consensus that we continue membership. All agreed. Elden Gatwood, Chief of Planning, Wilmington District, conducted a slide presentation of the history, the issues, the commonalties, and the various alternatives for the Carolina Beach Re-authorization. (A copy of this presentation is attached.) He said the Corps welcomes input from our group and mentioned the challenges that are presented to all of us in finding appropriate financing for necessary projects. Some of his comments included: The original Carolina Beach Project was much larger. Current 50-year authorization expires for Carolina Beach in 2014. Future funding for projects will be challenging. Under G.R.R. environmental issues may bring new conditions. Section 216 Study –Standard reauthorization approach for ending projects. Section 206 Study – Provides means for entities to do their own study. G.R.R.could be a quicker process- No congressional approval required. In 2l6 –Fed. Is involved in everything. New funding start Corps and other agencies more acceptable In 206 Various re-imbursement possibilities. Requires federal funding and Review. Difficult to meet federal standards and evaluation. Corps must be involved in any 206 project. Christine Brayman with the Corps commented on navigation and inlet dredging. Coastal Storm Damage Reduction is not currently included in contributing fund capability. The House Appropriations Bill allows accepting funds from various sources. We will not know what happens until they vote on the measures. Question and Answer period. Chris Coudriet asked: What is the Thomas Amendment? Brayman’s answer: Corps can only do “government” projects. (Not compete with free enterprise.) Jim Dugan asked if Carolina Beach goes away would it impact Kure Beach and would it be viewed as a “new” project with probably a 50/50 cost sharing? Corp’s answer: If the projects are combined, the 50/50 cost share would be included. Sponsor can do some of the engineering studies as an in-kind effort, and could be added on to the 50 year study. Extension not heard of by the Corps, but might be possible. (Example) Building dunes could possibly be part of overall program. Dave Weaver’s question: In the G.R.R,. process- must it be completed before the end of the current 50 year period? Corp’s answer – An understanding that funds must be appropriated before the authorization date. Cost/benefit ratio and funding percentages would change with a new authorization. Paul Woodbury asked: Is each viewed as a new start by Congress? Corp’s answer: G. R. R. may not be viewed as a new start. Layton Bedsole’s question “ Could the county get involved now to continue the current project? Corp’s answer: Credit may be given, if it is included as part of the PCA and approved by the Corps. Jim Dugan asked: Why is G. R. R. not a 65/35 ratio? Corp’s answer: New project authorization…new cost sharing. Question: Would any project be considered as “new”? Corp’s answer: Even if it is within the same template, a new B/C ratio would be calculated and cost sharing percentages would change to 50/50. The Corps is being asked to re-calculate the costs of projects with any changes. Jim Dugan asked: If it becomes and Island-wide project, will the cost share change? Corp’s answer: Yes. Woodbury/Reid moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried Chairman Bedsole adjourned the meeting. Joseph F. Augustine Treasurer Acting Secretary for this meeting.