Property owners along the Manatee Pocket who are considering private dredging will have an opportunity to learn more about "piggybacking" on Martin County's Manatee Pocket Dredging Project at an upcoming meeting on Tuesday, July 29 th.

The public workshop will be held from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Indian River State College's Chastain Campus on Salerno Road in Stuart.

What to Expect at the Workshop

Officials from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Martin County's Coastal Engineering Department and representatives from Tetra Tech EC - the County's project consultants - will be on hand to discuss the details of "piggybacking" including:

· what's involved in an individual dredging permit application

· tips for accelerating the process

· potential benefits to property owners through "piggybacking"

A question and answer session will address any additional issues or concerns, and application materials will be on hand for interested property owners. Refreshments will be provided.

The Project

The purpose of the Manatee Pocket Dredging Project is to restore a navigable waterway within the Manatee Pocket, while also preserving its rich history and improving its unique environmental habitat.

Dredging is estimated to begin in summer 2009, and will span the length of the Manatee Pocket waterway, as well as Crooked Creek, Chapman's Creek, Salerno Creek and Manatee Creek. In addition, the project will restore seagrass beds, improve water quality, create a healthier estuary environment and provide better protection to manatees.

For more information contact Kathy Fitzpatrick at 772-288-5429 or email kfitzpat@martin.fl.us.