The Hernando Beach channel dredging project is expected to finish by April 10, according to Hernando Today.
Susan Goebel-Canning, director of environmental services, visited the dredge site on Wednesday and said that construction work was done. The newly dredged channel is now open to boaters.
Hernando County’s dredging project has been ongoing since 1994. The channel was straightened and deepened to a depth of about six feet to make it easier for recreational and commercial boaters.
This project was named as one of the top 13 achievements of the last fiscal year.
The original price of the dredge was $9 million, with the state contributing $6 million and the county the remainder, but the county had to put in more money since the total cost of the project was more than $15 million.
Now the last step is waiting for statements regarding citizen concerns about damage done to boat docks or private property, after that the 18-year project will be officially over.
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Dredging Today Staff, April 2, 2012; Image: hernando