To: All interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals
Re: Franklin County, Florida; County-wide Dune Restoration Construction; U.S. Department of Treasury; RESTORE Act Direct Component Grant Program
In accordance with Treasury regulations at 44 CFR Part 9, Franklin County Board of County Commissioners is issuing this notice to solicit public comment on the County-wide Dune Restoration project because it has been determined that the project in whole or in part will take place in a 100-year Floodplain. This activity is funded by the U.S. Department of Treasury, RESTORE Act Direct Component Grant Program under Award Agreement RDCGR090518-0100.
The proposed project will include installation of a varied vegetation footprint of between 6 and 7.5 feet installed along the toe of the dune areas along 11 miles of public beaches (St. George Island, .8 miles of Carrabelle Beach, 5 miles of Alligator Point and 1.2 miles of Bald Point). All private property owners within the proposed project area have been notified of the activity and homeowner license agreements have been executed and recoded for participating parties. The proposed project will also include dune and coastal hammock restoration at two county beach park locations: St. George Island’s Lighthouse Park and Carrabelle Beach Park.
Franklin County has considered alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values. Franklin County does not anticipate any adverse impacts to the 100-year floodplain.
There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplains and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about floodplains and wetlands can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in floodplains and wetlands, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.
Written comments mailed via USPS must be received by the Franklin County at the following address on or before June 9, 2025: Franklin County Board of County Commissioners, Attn: Erin Griffith, Fiscal Manager/Grants Coordinator, 248 Highway 98, Eastpoint, FL 32328. Emailed comments may be submitted to Erin Griffith, Fiscal Manager/Grants Coordinator at erin@franklincountyflorida.com or Michael Moron, County Coordinator at michael@franklincountyflorida.com.