Two Florida Inland Navigation District grant programs have given money to more than 860 projects — some heralded, some criticized — along Florida’s East Coast at a cost to taxpayers of nearly $167 million in the past 25 years.
The navigation district and numerous local officials say FIND’s grants to help promote access to the waterway support worthy projects. But critics question the merit of some of these projects and advocate for more local control of the tax dollars. There are also questions about whether the money is fairly distributed among the 12 counties.
Since 1985 when the Legislature authorized FIND’s waterway and cooperative assistance programs, the two programs have given money toward a wide range of projects including education programs, small dredging projects, marinas, parks, parking lots and a boatload of boats, boat docks and boardwalks.
FIND contributed about $1.8 million for a bridge replacement project and about $1.5 million for a state Division of Environmental Protection law enforcement complex in Miami-Dade County.
Donn Colee, vice chairman of the inland navigational district’s board of commissioners, said the waterway assistance program is an important accessory to the agency’s main purpose of making sure the Intracoastal Waterway is dredged and maintained.
“If you have a wonderfully dredged waterway, but you can’t get to it, it’s not good,” Colee said.
But some residents question whether the district should pay for such programs at all, as well as the motive behind giving out the money.
CONCERNS
Frank Marshall, with the Concerned Taxpayers of Indian River County group set up to protest a FIND dredging facility in Sebastian, said the waterway assistance grant program “doesn’t look good” to him. He said it “seems that they’re trying to get these (local governments) to be happy with FIND and
allow FIND to do what they want to do.
View photo galleries of local projects FIND has contributed to.
“You can’t say it’s a bribe because it’s a legitimate grant and it is permitted by the statute,” Marshall said. “But it means that these people are going to be beholden a bit.”
Sebastian City Manager Al Minner, whose government has received grants from FIND, disagreed that governments would be beholden to FIND but declined to comment further.
Indian River County has received about $4.1 million from the waterways’ assistance, Martin County about $6.4 million and St. Lucie County about $5 million.
Meanwhile, Jupiter-based FIND spent about $34.5 million for more than 140 different waterway assistance projects in its home county of Palm Beach. Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties — the latter of which has received about $34.7 million for more than 125 projects — have received nearly half of the $140 million the agency has given out through the waterway assistance program throughout the last 25 years.
Another $27.1 million has been given out across the 12 counties FIND covers through the cooperative assistance program.
FIND Executive Director David Roach said Palm Beach County has received so many grants because it has many local governments along the water and therefore has many applications. He said the county also has “very proactive” Parks and Environmental Resources Management departments that frequently submit applications. Roach added many of the applications are for boat ramps and dredging that are the type of project at the top of the district’s priority list.
Colee, Palm Beach County’s representative on the board, also said Palm Beach is a fairly wealthy county and during tight budget times other counties might be able to provide matching funds needed for some projects.
Former state legislator Dale Patchett, who helped start the grant programs, said Palm Beach and Miami-Dade have very active boating groups that may have been active in trying to pursue the grant money.
He added, though, that while there may be some logical explanations for why these counties received such a significant portion of the grant money, that politics probably also played a part.
“I’m sure some of it is based on where the (FIND) office is,” said Patchett.
Counties cannot receive more money annually than their residents pay in tax dollars to the district, Colee said. If counties don’t do any projects, the tax dollars are put into the general coffers of the agency and can be used for dredging or dredge storage projects anywhere in the district.
But critics say a multi-county agency like FIND should not be giving out the grants.
“I think projects of this nature, the funds should come locally from each county; not from a statewide tax base,” said Gary Kaczenski with the Concerned Taxpayers of Indian River County group.
Even some past FIND commissioners have questioned whether the district should be involved in the assistance programs, Roach said, though ending the programs would cut the district’s budget in half.
RELEVANCE
Four different legislative reviews of the agency have recommended against phasing out the agency or its assistance programs.
A 1990 legislative review of FIND said another agency might be able to take over the responsibilities, but finding money could be a problem. State agencies that provide money for similar projects, however, include the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
FIND contributed $217,500 to a project to improve Timer Powers Park in Indiantown.
Patchett was a state legislator representing Vero Beach when he sponsored legislation in 1985 giving the district the authority to start awarding the grants. Speaking last month from his Tallahassee home, he said the grant program began as a way to return FIND’s surplus money to communities.
Roach said the district at the time was operating off interest from money in the bank rather than imposing taxes.
By 1987, the agency was giving out more than $2 million a year in grants and it no longer had a surplus of money in the bank. That year, the agency implemented its first tax since 1970 to raise $11.2 million to buy more land.
At the same time the grant programs were created, an environmental review determined the district should not create spoil islands out of material dredged from the Intracoastal. As a result, Roach said, the district started buying more land to hold the material.
The law involving the grants was written so money given through these programs covers not only the waters that the Intracoastal channel passes through, but waterways that connect to it, such as the St. Sebastian River and the St. Lucie River.
Port St. Lucie, for example, received nearly $400,000 toward the $856,000 cost of a riverwalk boardwalk reconstruction in 2007.
CONTROVERSY
Several FIND-sponsored projects have been controversial.
The district gave Vero Beach $758,000 to help purchase a private marina with a boat storage area. Without the money, the city’s marina operation might have had difficulty maintaining its contributions of more than $70,000 annually to the city’s coffers while paying off the $4.6 million debt on the marina.
FIND gave Indian River County $100,000 for improvements at Wabasso Causeway Park.
Proponents of the project have said purchasing the marina provided more public access to the water at a time when developers were buying marina land for housing projects. Vero Beach officials also say the marina has been profitable.
Indian River County Commission Chairman Bob Solari opposed the project when he was on the city council. Solari said he does not see how paying for what he refers to as a storage facility is in line with FIND’s mission to alleviate problems with the waterway.
“It’s beyond me,” Solari said. “FIND shouldn’t be involved in funding a project like that because they are using taxpayer dollars for a project the taxpayer shouldn’t be involved in.”
Roach said the district takes local opposition into account when funding such projects.
But aside from individual local projects, Patchett said it is up to taxpayers to let elected officials know whether they think the agency’s programs are worthwhile.
“It takes the public to tell them that we want the programs or we would rather have a lower tax rate,” Patchett said.
Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers Staff Writer George Andreassi contributed to this story.
AMOUNT PER COUNTY
The Florida Inland Navigation District’s waterway assistance program has given out nearly $140 million in grant money in the state’s 12 Atlantic Coast counties over the last 25 years. That includes nearly $6.4 million in Martin County, nearly $5 million in St. Lucie County and more than $4.1 million in Indian River County. This does not include more than $27.1 million in cooperative assistance program grants that went to support federal, state, and regional projects throughout the district. Here is a look at the number of projects per county, the amount of assistance provided and the total costs of the projects funded for each county:
| County | Projects | Assistance | Project cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brevard | 108 | $8,778,369 | $24,606,015 |
| Broward | 93 | $16,223,051 | $38,183,898 |
| Duval | 118 | $15,039,530 | $31,681,727 |
| Flagler | 18 | $1,444,688 | $2,913,550 |
| Indian River | 52 | $4,120,020 | $17,149,572 |
| Martin | 65 | $6,387,299 | $51,258,839 |
| Miami-Dade | 135 | $34,559,677 | $116,383,608 |
| Nassau | 8 | $827,560 | $1,778,360 |
| Palm Beach | 156 | $34,402,387 | $108,164,846 |
| St. Johns | 47 | $3,799,805 | $13,007,335 |
| St. Lucie | 53 | $4,997,299 | $17,786,521 |
| Volusia | 93 | $8,905,263 | $29,063,688 |
| TOTALS | 946 | $139,484,948 | $451,977,959 |
*Projects totals include canceled or expired projects. No costs are associated with those projects.
MARTIN COUNTY PROJECTS
Martin County and its municipalities have received nearly $6.4 million in grant money by the Florida Inland Navigation District since 1986 to assist in 58 projects.
This year, the district agreed to give $150,000 to the county for a $500,000 project to stabilize the Bird Island shoreline. Another $25,000 was given to Stuart to cover half the cost of a floating dock’s fire protection project.
Other projects include:
2010
| Project | Grant amount | Total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Manatee Pocket Channel Dredging | $200,000 | $13,300,000 |
| Manatee Pocket Commercial Dock (Phase 1) | $12,000 | $24,000 |
2009
| Project | Grant amount | Total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Bird Island Shoreline Stabilization (Phase I) | $75,000 | $150,000 |
| St. Lucie Inlet Maintenance | $339,000 | $6,339,050 |
| Stuart Shephard Park Boat Ramp Reconstruction and Dredging | $80,000 | $160,000 |
2008
| Project | Grant amount | Total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Leighton Park | $95,000 | $210,000 |
| St. Lucie Inlet North Jetty Improvements | $300,000 | $5,400,000 |
| Stuart Courtesy Dock Improvements and Riverwalk Enhancements (Phase III) | $107,973 | $295,945 |
2007
| Project | Grant amount | Total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Law Enforcement Marine Unit | $30,000 | $85,000 |
2006
| Project | Grant amount | Total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Jensen Beach Boat Ramp Park | $325,000 | $1,500,000 |
| Manatee Pocket Channel Dredging (Phase I) | $165,000 | $220,000 |
2005
| Project | Grant amount | Total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Twin Rivers Park Shoreline Stabilization (Phase III) | $300,000 | $650,000 |
2004
| Project | Grant amount | Total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Twin Rivers Park Shoreline Stabilization (Phase II) | $240,575 | $850,000 |
| Stuart Floating Courtesy Dock at City Hall Pier (Phase II) | $150,000 | $300,000 |
2003
| Project | Grant amount | Total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Crossroads Regional River Reefs Artificial Reef | $25,000 | $50,000 |
| Law Enforcement Marine Unit | $33,050 | $50,000 |
| Twin Rivers Park Shoreline Stabilization (Phase 1) | $65,000 | $130,000 |
2002
| Project | Grant amount | Total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Sandsprit Park Addition | $200,000 | $492,000 |
| Stuart Southpoint Anchorage and Marina Seawall Restoration | $75,000 | $150,000 |
2001
| Project | Grant amount | Total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Crossroad Regional Artificial Reef (Phase 1) | $15,000 | $30,000 |
| Indian RiverSide Park Day Use Boat Slip Construction | $87,500 | $175,000 |
| Jupiter Island Safe Waterways project | $12,500 | $25,000 |
| Stuart Floating Courtesy Dock at City Hall Pier | $137,500 | $275,000 |
| Stuart Rehabilitation of Anchorage T-Dock | $12,500 | $50,000 |
2000
| Project | Grant amount | Total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Twin Rivers Park Shoreline Stabilization | $299,000 | $626,000 |
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY PROJECTS
Indian River County and its municipalities have been given more than $4.1 million in grant money by the Florida Inland Navigation District since 1986 to assist it in 58 projects having a total cost of about $17.1 million.
This year, the district’s board of commissioners agreed to give $175,000 toward the $350,000 cost of a MacWilliam Park boat ramp reconstruction project.
Other projects since 2000 include:
2010
| Project | Grant amount | Total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Lagoon Greenway | $17,845 | $35,690 |
| Sebastian Inlet District Coconut Point Shoreline Stabilization (Phase I) | $36,000 | $72,000 |
| Sebastian Inlet District Multi-Use Pier | $136,750 | $273,500 |
| Vero Beach MacWilliam Park Boat Ramps Reconstruction (Phase I) | $15,000 | $30,000 |
| Vero Beach Marina South Complex (Phase 3) | $172,790 | $3,622,790 |
2009
| Project | Grant amount | Total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Learning Center Educational Exhibits, Aquaria and Signage | $175,000 | $350,000 |
| Vero Beach Marine Dry Storage Re-Rack | $41,000 | $82,000 |
| Vero Beach Marina South Complex (Part 2) | $207,935 | $4,600,000 |
2008
| Project | Grant amount | Total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Oslo Road Public Boat Ramp | $87,500 | $175,000 |
| Vero Beach Marina South Complex | $378,075 | $756,150 |
2007
| Project | Grant amount | Total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Derelict Vessel Removal from waterways | $25,000 | $50,000 |
| Main Street Boat Ramp Trailer Parking Acquisition | $487,532 | $1,527,357 |
2005
| Project | Grant amount | Total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Jungle Trail Shoreline Stabilization (Phase IIA) | $73,700 | $147,400 |
2003
| Project | Grant amount | Total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Jungle Trail Shoreline Stabilization (Phase II) | $76,300 | $152,600 |
| Patrol & Rescue Vessel Engine Replacement | $6,233 | $12,467 |
| Vero Beach Marina South Dock Improvements | $49,000 | $98,000 |
2002
| Project | Grant amount | Total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Sebastian Waterway Boating Safety Program | $25,000 | $50,000 |
2001
| Project | Grant amount | Total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Law Enforcement Patrol and Rescue Vessel | $34,478 | $68,956 |
| Vero Beach Marina Improvements | $100,000 | $200,000 |
2000
| Project | Grant amount | Total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Jungle Trail Shoreline Stabilzation | $13,000 | $26,000 |
| Indian River Shores Waterway Boating Safety Program | $41,016 | $54,690 |
| Sebastian Indian River Lagoon Waterway Enhancement (Phase A) | $170,000 | $425,000 |
ST. LUCIE COUNTY PROJECTS
St. Lucie County and its municipalities have received nearly $5 million in grant money by the Florida Inland Navigation District since 1986 to assist it in 51 projects.
This year, the district’s board of commissioners agreed to give $16,420 to Fort Pierce for a $32,840 fish cleaning station at the City Marina.
Other projects since 2000 include:
2010
| Project | Grant amount | Total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Fort Pierce Police Department Marine Law Enforcement and Boating Safety Program | $30,000 | $70,085 |
| Port St. Lucie North Fork of St. Lucie River Channel Marker Replacement | $7,500 | $15,000 |
2009
| Project | Grant amount | Total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Fort Pierce Inlet Boat Launch | $251,986 | $875,900 |
| Little Mud Creek Boat Ramp & Kayak Launch | $40,000 | $113,800 |
| Stan Blum Boat Ramp Restrooms (Phase II) | $99,113 | $198,226 |
2008
| Project | Grant amount | Total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Stan Blum Boat Ramp Restrooms (Phase I) | $18,000 | $36,000 |
2007
| Project | Grant amount | Total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Port St. Lucie | $396,125 | $856,000 |
2006
| Project | Grant amount | Total cost |
|---|---|---|
| River Park Marina | $122,000 | $244,000 |
| South Causeway Park Shoreline Restoration | $258,300 | $516,600 |
| Fort Pierce City Marina Dredging of Internal Basin | $18,000 | $36,000 |
| Fort Pierce City Marina Fuel Tank Replacement | $205,000 | $517,000 |
2005
| Project | Grant amount | Total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Indrio Blueway Preserve | $20,000 | $40,000 |
| Ocean Bay Preserve Improvements | $25,000 | $50,000 |
| Queens Island Preserve | $35,000 | $70,000 |
| River Park Marina | $32,500 | $65,000 |
| Fort Pierce City Marina North Access Channel Dredging | $318,000 | $991,437 |
2004
| Project | Grant amount | Total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Wildcat Cove Preserve/Observation Pier | $22,500 | $45,000 |
2003
| Project | Grant amount | Total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Creek Public Access Improvements | $50,000 | $107,150 |
| Shoreline Stabilization at North Causeway Island | $100,000 | $200,000 |
| Fort Pierce City Marina North Channel Dredging | $94,481 | $206,445 |
2002
| Project | Grant amount | Total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Vitolo Park/Middle Cove public handicap access | $50,000 | $108,716 |
2001
| Project | Grant amount | Total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Shoreline Stabilization at South Causeway Island | $224,668 | $500,000 |
