The plan calls for dredging up to 1.3 million cubic yards of sand from the Big Sarasota Pass, the construction of an 80-foot-long berm and three wall structures near the bottom of Lido Key.
A total of 10 dredging events would occur over 50 years in five year intervals alternating between Big Sarasota Pass and New Pass for dredging.Initial construction is expected to cost $19 million.
Local organizations and businesses worry taking that much sand from the Pass will affect the local environment.
The Corps released a report earlier this month that used historical data and models to illustrate the renourishment plan.
Project manager Milan Mora said how much sand the Corps will use depends on beach conditions before construction begins.
“If a hurricane hits and all of a sudden you need more sand than you’re going to need more sand,” he said. “But, what we did in the study is to model to see up to how much sand is possible to remove form the ebb shoal without changing the planform area of the shoal.”
Mike Lepore owns the Best Western Plus Siesta Key Hotel with his daughter on Siesta Key. Siesta Key is south of Lido Key.
Lepore said Lido Key needs help, but he worries the Corps’ plan will affect the beaches on Siesta Key.
“The worst part of it is the fact that they require a 50-year agreement to access Big Pass on an ongoing basis,” he said. “So, it’s not just a million cubic yards, it’s whatever they decide they need to take every five years.”
Mora said the report shows there will be no adverse effects to other shorelines.
The Corps will start a federal approval process in late July with a public meeting. They will also apply for state approval.
Mora expects the state will approve a permit for the first dredging event and then monitor its results.
