Manatee Pocket dredging gets funding

Staff report
Friday, February 15, 2008

The dredging of Manatee Pocket moved a step closer to reality when the federal government this week awarded $500,000 toward the long- awaited project.

Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne announced the grant is being awarded as part of the Federal Fish and Wildlife Service's Boating Infrastructure Grant program.

"Although it is funded by boaters, this program benefits the entire community by helping local economies, helping people connect with nature and improving public safety," Kempthorne said.

Kathy Fitzpatrick, Martin County coastal engineer, said the grant "is a big help." But she noted the dredging project is still about $4.5 million shy of the $10 million needed.

She said the county also recently received an additional $350,000 from the Florida Boating Improvement Program.

"We still have grant requests out for more than half of the money we need," she said.

Money for the Boating Improvement Program comes from the Sport Fishing and Boating Trust Fund, which is supported by excise taxes on certain fishing and boating equipment, and boat fuels.