Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Possible help for dirty waterways
Facing a bill that could cost millions, federal funds could be available
FORT LAUDERDALE – Sullied by toxic sewage, Fort Lauderdale waterways are in desperate need of a cleanup that could cost millions — but there’s a chance the federal government might help foot the bill.
U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt, wrapping up a two-state tour Sunday in Fort Lauderdale, hinted at the possibility to Mayor Dean Trantalis during a meeting atop a parking garage that overlooks the Las Olas Marina.
“He says there are funding opportunities in the president’s infrastructure bill intended for cleaning up the country’s waterways,” Trantalis said. “That money could help clean up waterways impacted by the sewage breaks. It would put Fort Lauderdale on the fast track in cleaning up our waterways.”
Fort Lauderdale will take any help it can get, Vice Mayor Steve Glassman said.
“Right now we’re facing lots of challenges,” Glassman said. “Any help we can get from the state and federal governments would be much appreciated. [Secretary Bernhardt] said he’d have his staff look at it. I don’t think any promises were made.”
Bernhardt’s visit was part of an effort to open up visitor access to public lands amid the coronavirus pandemic. Dozens of national parks were forced to close for months due to social distancing guidelines. Several began reopening in May, including Everglades National Park.
Bernhardt’s six-day tour took him to Alabama, the Florida Panhandle, Orlando, Tampa, Everglades National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve and, finally, Fort Lauderdale.
Bernhardt met with city officials and took a close look at the cityowned Las Olas Marina, nestled on the banks of the Intracoastal Waterway just north of the Las Olas Bridge.
Last year, Fort Lauderdale commissioners approved a plan by Suntex Marinas to redevelop and operate the 66-slip marina over the next 50 years.
The company plans to add 22 boat slips big enough to accommodate mega-yachts. The $70 million project also calls for an upscale waterfront restaurant along with shops, offices and a casual restaurant, plus a gym and rooftop swim
ming pool for crews staying at the marina.
Construction is scheduled to start this fall and wrap up by spring 2022, city officials say.
The federal government has already earmarked more than $1 million for the project through the Boating Infrastructure Grant Program. Funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the program helps communities build and renovate marinas and other boating facilities for outdoor recreation.
“So many other cities are able to accommodate super yachts,” Glassman said. “We have to be able to compete.”
Bernhardt and his entourage braved the South Florida heat Sunday to rub elbows with Fort Lauderdale officials on the top floor of the parking garage next to the marina.
“He came here to survey
the project and determine the viability [of expanding the marina],” Trantalis said. “Sometimes you have to come to a place to get the feel of what’s going on.”
Bernhardt, a Colorado native, liked what he saw.
“It’s my first trip to Fort Lauderdale,” he said. “It’s gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous.”
On Friday, Bernhardt announced $33 million in grants for states and communities to support outdoor
recreation and help boaters keep America’s waters clean.
“We’re seeing a very robust effort by the American people to get back out to enjoy the outdoors, to be out recreating and also to be out purchasing and working,” Bernhardt said. “We’ve done an incredible job making sure people have access to our public lands and waterways.”