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🌊 $284,000 in new federal funding will allow Okaloosa County to complete the final design of a shoreline restoration project without spending local funds.
🐟 The project will restore 4,500 feet of shoreline near Veterans Park and Marler Park using nature-based techniques that benefit both wildlife and recreation.
🛑 Construction won’t move forward without Eglin AFB input, and further due diligence will be required before any local funds are committed.
CRESTVIEW — Okaloosa County commissioners on July 1 approved a funding agreement that will move the county’s Highway 98 Living Shoreline Project into its final design and permitting phase, securing an additional $284,000 in federal support without requiring new county funding.
The project, located on the north shoreline of Okaloosa Island along Highway 98 near Veterans Park and Marler Park, aims to reduce erosion and enhance habitat through nature-based solutions.
If fully implemented, it will restore 4,500 linear feet of shoreline and support eco-tourism activities, including snorkeling, birding, and fishing.
“We’re not approving construction here,” said Coastal Resources Manager Alex Fogg. “This gets us to 100% design and permitting, building on the 60% design work we’ve already completed through National Fish and Wildlife Foundation funding.”
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The newly secured funding comes through the Department of Defense’s Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program. The REPI funds are structured to match previous federal dollars without requiring additional county dollars for this phase.
Commissioner Trey Goodwin, who raised the item for discussion, acknowledged past constituent concerns about the long-delayed shoreline protection strategy and emphasized the need for careful planning.
“I’ve had calls about this for years,” Goodwin said. “I still have concerns whether a living shoreline is enough to deal with the wave action in that area. Before any county money goes toward construction, I want assurances from Eglin [Air Force Base] that the area will remain open for public recreation.”
Fogg emphasized that while the stretch of shoreline in question sits adjacent to federal and state property, the ecological and recreational benefits are significant. “It’s good for wildlife restoration and provides essential habitat. It also supports local recreation like boating and fishing.”
The board unanimously approved Goodwin’s motion with the added condition that the county conduct further due diligence with Eglin before any future commitment of county funds.
The vote excluded Commissioners Carolyn Ketchel and Sherri Cox, who were absent from Tuesday’s meeting.
To date, more than 85% of the project’s funding has come from external grants, and staff continue to pursue additional sources for construction.
The Tourist Development Council’s recommendation was not required, as the new funds do not include a local match requirement.
Chairman authorization for the County Administrator to serve as the Authorizing Official on the agreement was also included in the approval.
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