Sarasota News Leader

01/31/2014

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added. Perhaps 200,000 cubic yards of sand from New Pass could be used to supple- ment the sand removed from Big Pass for the first renourishment, if the Corps receives approval from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and funding to undertake the project. Milan A. Mora, the Corps' manager for the Lido renourishment plan, has said the proj- ect would need 1.1 million to 1.2 million cubic yards of sand for that first renourishment. Referring to Corps representatives, Wreford added, "They really are trying their best now. They have heard the community loud and clear." On Jan. 9, the Siesta Key Association unani- mously approved a resolution opposing the dredging of Big Pass or its channel, based on current information. On Jan. 16, the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors took similar action, then-Chairwoman Maria Bankemper notified the News Leader this week. The latter resolution says the Chamber board "is in opposition of the Army Corps of Engineers proposed plan to dredge Big Pass and mine sand from the shoal north of Siesta Key in order to replenish Lido Key sand." The Siesta Chamber has more than 500 members representing businesses such as accommodations, restaurants, retailers, ser- vices and nonprofits on the island and the mainland, a press release notes. Bankemper is general manager and co-owner of the Best Western Plus-Siesta Key at 6600 S. Tamiami Trail. In late December, Bankemper U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' preliminary projections show no significant change to Big Pass from dredging its ebb shoal. Image courtesy City of Sarasota Sarasota News Leader January 31, 2014 Page 21

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