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Dauphin Island, AL
Archive of Historical Data, Books, Maps
And Other Materials
West End Update
April 30, 2009
(Memo from Jeff Collier, Mayor, Dauphin Island to Island residents via email)
On behalf of the Town Council, I want to take this opportunity to update all residents and
property owners of Dauphin Island on pending matters that would directly impact the West End.
I am aware that much information and misinformation is currently out on the streets and hope
this memo will clear up some of these issues that are important to all of us who call
Dauphin Island "home".
First, it was the one-two punch of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike that destroyed the berm that
was constructed following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. As a result, the Town of Dauphin
Island submitted a damage survey report for a replacement berm during our post-disaster
inventory of damages to Town owned property and infrastructure. This is standard operating
procedure following all "declared disasters". Subsequent to our submittals, FEMA
notified the town that it would not fund a replacement berm (although a
template and cost estimate was produced by FEMA reps) as there was
(in its opinion) no stable shoreline on which to construct it.
The Town then had an option to appeal the decision or not. After some consideration,
the Council voted to appeal the decision with hopes we could keep the lines of
communications open with FEMA and possibly find a way to provide long term protection
for the West End area.
As the appeals process has continued, Town staff has had several meetings with
representatives of the Alabama Emergency Management Agency (EMA) who serves as our liaison
with FEMA. During the most recent meeting, the idea of a "levee" (not a berm)
was suggested as an alternative by AL EMA to FEMA. FEMA is now considering the
alternative. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU KEEP IN MIND THIS WAS MERELY A
VERBAL STATEMENT AND NOTHING WAS PUT IN WRITING NOR ARE ANY PLANS OR DRAWINGS
IN PLACE FOR THE PROPOSED LEVEE!
The suggested levee would be placed on Town rights-of-way along the south side of
Bienville Boulevard for an undetermined continuous length. This would block any
side streets that currently serve the south beach.
Why would anyone suggest such a thing? Well, it appears FEMA is concerned with leaving
Bienville Boulevard (and the associated infrastructure) unprotected from future storms.
The Town has also received word that unless we provide for some level (my words not theirs)
of protection for Bienville Boulevard, the Town may not receive future Federal and/or
State assistance in a post-disaster situation. Obviously, that could prove quite
costly for our island community if that were to happen.
With this information on the table, we were forced to seriously consider the proposal
while looking for ways to mitigate the "inconveniences" it would bring to those who own
property south of Bienville Boulevard. Maintaining vehicular access on the south
side of the levee is of high importance but comes with a variety of challenges.
Understanding that "Crossovers" would likely not be allowed, talk turned to the
possibility of an "access road" running parallel to the south side of the levee
made of some type of crushed stones or other base material.
Contrary to information you might have received, NO materials or products have been
purchased for such an access road or levee!
Recognizing the serious nature of this matter the Town Council opted to hold an
informational meeting on Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. (site TBA) for all
interested persons. The Council is also trying to determine if the meeting can be
broadcast over the internet via live streaming video (or some other format) for those
who are unable to attend the meeting in person. We will let you know when this
information becomes available.
In conclusion, the Town Council will likely make a final decision on the proposed
levee for the island's West End at a meeting of its choice following the public
informational meeting on May 13, 2009. In the meantime, the council will be
meeting with EMA officials prior to the public meeting to get the latest and most
accurate information to pass along to you.
Jeff Collier, Mayor
Dauphin Island, AL
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