Longboat Key considers funding model for canal dredging

It would cost the town about $11.4 million to start the program.

The town of Longboat Key is looking into the development of a canal-dredging program and the details on how to and who should pay for it.

During a presentation at the March 22 Town Commission workshop meeting, Longboat Key projects manager Charlie Mopps estimated the program startup would cost about $11.4 million.

“The goal is an ongoing funded program, not just the project,” Mopps said. “It’s a program.”

Mopps based the startup projection on Charlotte County, where he managed the county’s waterway system for 15 years. He also used the town’s beach renourishment projects as a guide.