As the County Commissioners met today to hash out budgets for the coming year, they voted unanimously this afternoon to move forward with dredging the Pocket, and including it in their funding. This was important to us, as all levels of government are feeling the crunch on available funds with changes in property values as well as State induced tax cuts.
Commissioners Michael DiTerlizzi and Susan Valliere spoke out very strongly in favor of the need to get on with the dredging for the benefit of Port Salerno, Stuart, and Martin County. Susan committed $225,000 of funds for her District as it borders a portion of the Pocket. Doug Smith and Lee Weberman also strongly supported the effort. Sarah raised concerns, but in the end, didn't try to block the project.
The project team reported that over $12,000,000 have been committed from many state, federal, and environmental organizations to get this project done.
Attending the meetings this morning and this afternoon from the Club were Arthur Cox, Betsey Riley, and yours truly. Arthur and Betsey were also representing local businesses around the Pocket as well as were some of the other business owners.
