Harbor and Waterways Board

Harbor & Waterways Board supports new annual NPEB fee structure; approves forwarding to City Council; emergency pump repairs underway

At the March 26, 2026 meeting the Destin Harbor and Waterways Board amended the agenda to add Bruce Ming's dock and forwarded that matter to City Council. The Board voted 4-1 to support the Local Planning Agency's recommended Net Positive Environmental Benefit (NPEB) fee structure—proposed as $50/year per residential dock and $100/year per commercial dock—and forwarded the recommendation to City Council. The Board discussed NPEB fund balance, alternatives for broader cost distribution, and equity concerns. Staff reported the harbor flushing pump is out of service; an emergency repair contract (~$52,000) is in place with a 1–2 week expected repair timeframe. The Board discussed preventative maintenance, spare parts inventory, and marking a large submerged hazard south of Destin Yacht Club for safety.