Pinellas County Beach Nourishment Funding Gets New Flexibility

Pinellas County and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers signed an amended Project Cooperation Agreement on May 31, 2026, opening new pathways for federal funding of beach nourishment projects.

The amendment removes the requirement that beach nourishment easements include public access provisions. It also allows local customary use ordinances to satisfy some federal cost-sharing requirements and eliminates the requirement that easements be permanent. The changes give county officials more flexibility to negotiate easement language with property owners.

Assistant Secretary of the Army Adam Telle, U.S. Representative Anna Paulina Luna, and Army Corps Deputy Commanding General Maj. Gen. Jason Kelly attended the signing. Pinellas County Board Chair Dave Eggers and Commissioners Kathleen Peters, Brian Scott, and Chris Latvala represented the county.