Dauphin Island Town Crier Special Edition - Hurricane Katrina Recovery Update
Less than five months after Hurricane Katrina devastated our part of the gulf coast with strong winds and extreme storm surges, Dauphin Island continues to make progress in the recovery process. The following information will serve as a status report on various projects throughout our island community.
Berm/Beach Stabilization FEMA has awarded the Town with a berm project as a result of damages caused by Hurricane Katrina. The proposed project area will extend from near the public fishing pier to the West End of Bienville Boulevard and is estimated to cost approximately $4 million (local cost share of 15% will total $600,000). The Town Council recently hired a surveyor to determine the amount of sand available for transport to the gulf beach area from the North side (Mississippi Sound) of the island. Once an estimated quantity is known cost estimates will be solicited prior to a Council vote to either accept/reject the berm project. If the project is approved, it is very likely that voluntary contributions will be requested from property owners to offset the cost to the Town. A decision is expected within thirty (30) days.
Roads The Town Council has secured an engineer and will soon advertise for bids to repair/resurface all hurricane damaged roads on the West End (North of Bienville Blvd.) and a number of streets on the East End. Work could begin within 60-90 days. Plans for permanent repairs on roads South of Bienville Blvd. (West End) are not yet complete. The Town is currently negotiating with the Alabama Department of Transportation to finish temporary repairs to Bienville Boulevard and to make permanent repairs in a timely fashion.
Utilities The Dauphin Island Water & Sewer Authority (DIWSA) continues to make good progress on the West End of Dauphin Island. While no specific timetable is available, you may contact the DIWSA office at (251)861-2363 for periodic updates. Alabama Power Company is also making great strides in its effort to provide electricity to this area.
Canals A number of canals along the North side of the island were (in some cases) totally filled with sand and other debris items when Katrina's storm surge washed over parts of the West End. The Town was recently informed that these areas were not eligible for FEMA assistance. We are now submitting a similar request for assistance through the State Conservation Department. While not yet approved, this program (which requires a 25% in kind match) looks promising.
Planning Process The Town has a unique opportunity to make the best of a bad situation. As a result of the catastrophic damage caused by Katrina, Dauphin Island (and other Coastal communities) is eligible for Federal Funding to create a more disaster resistant community and reduce recovery time following future events. All of this is being made available through the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) and plans should be completed by spring 2006. The Town is partnering with various stakeholders throughout the island in order to compile a thorough strategic recovery plan for our community. The plan will be publicized at the appropriate time in the process.
In addition, the Town is also making necessary arrangements to revise the Comprehensive Plan. That process could take up to 12-18 months. Again, considerable public input will be afforded and encouraged at the appropriate phase of the process.
If you have any questions or comments regarding these or other issues pertaining to the overall recovery process, please e-mail us.