County Council accepts $37.7 million for beach recovery

Posted On: March 22, 2023

The Volusia County Council voted unanimously on March 21 to accept a sizable grant for $37,689,745 from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). The grant funds will be used for sand placement, a feasibility study that will make recommendations on long-term (50-year) resiliency solutions for the beach, and implementation of those recommendations.

"We're beyond grateful for Governor Ron DeSantis, the FDEP and everyone else who made this happen,” said County Manager George Recktenwald. “Our coastal property owners, residents and visitors know how important our beach is to our community. These funds will help us with recovery efforts.”

According to the grant agreement, the first step is for the county to conduct a countywide feasibility study that will produce project recommendations. The funds will be used in accordance with the FDEP's Hurricanes Ian and Nicole Recovery Plan for Florida's Beach and Dune System.

These funds are in addition to the $5 million FDEP grant received in December for the emergency placement of sand on the beach.