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Editorial: "Eight is Enough" May Be Too Much
June 20th, 2002

Editorial: Cedar Key Plantation: Albatross or Opportunity
June 16th, 2002

Editorial: Hello Cedar Key Plantation, Goodbye Clam Beds
June 14th, 2002

Editorial: All`s Quiet on the Water Front
June 8th, 2002

Editorial: A Cop in Trouble
June 6th, 2002

Editorial: Community Redevelopment Wish Lists
June 3rd, 2002

Editorial: Heath Davis and the Power of Politics
May 19th, 2002

Editorial: Do We Need Another Hero?
May 16th, 2002

Editorial: Support Groups
May 8th, 2002

Editorial: Clarification of Speak Out
May 7th, 2002

Editorial: Introducing Our Editor
April 22nd, 2002


Another Delay in Dock Repair

Another Delay in Dock Repair

Editorial

In September 2004 the Levy County Engineer declared Cedar Key's "Big Dock" structurally unsafe. The dock has been closed now for more than two and one half years. Business continues to suffer and fishermen have lost a prime fishing site. The pump-out station for boat sewage is not available, thereby increasing the risk of fecal contamination of our clam beds.

The most recent delay in fixing the dock comes from alleged fears that driving new pilings may damage nearby buildings. Those belated fears have necessitated another geotechnical study and structural engineering plan, now estimated to take two to six weeks. The last geotechnical study was delayed by equipment problems and bad weather.

Reconstructing the dock was initially delayed by uncertainty about funding. However, $1,300,000 in federal funds became available, based on an estimate in 2005. However, the amount needed will probably be more than $1,300,000 due to inflation during the multiple delays. Perhaps Levy County will provide any additional funds to get the job done.

Bidding on the project was delayed until late 2006 because the structural engineering contractor had no deadline regarding finishing the plans according to County Coordinator Fred Moody. Now property owners near the Big Dock are being blamed for the most recent delay.

Meanwhile, Cedar Key News has been told that Levy County owns the pilings and decking of the Big Dock, and alternatively that the contractor will own salvaged materials. Will this bring litigation and further delays? Who is responsible for all of the delays?

Levy County will collect over $77,000,000 in property taxes this year. The County Commissioners gave an eight percent raise to County employees this year. The County budgeted $4,500,000 for a garbage facility. The property tax buck stops at the Levy County Court House. Perhaps the responsibility for dock repair is a buck that should also stop at the Levy County Court House.

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