SANFORD, Fla. – Repairs to Sanford’s marina, long delayed, might finally commence, three years after Hurricane Ian caused flooding along the Riverwalk and damaged the docks.

This Monday evening, the city commission is set to approve a contract to initiate design and permitting work. News 6 interviewed Mayor Art Woodruff, who described this step as a “big milestone.”

“The marina is integral to our downtown area. It significantly impacts both our economy and recreation,” stated Mayor Woodruff. “We haven’t just been waiting for something to happen; we’ve been actively working towards this since the hurricane.”

Since 2022, the city has sought FEMA reimbursement for the marina damage caused by Hurricane Ian. However, in March, staff informed News 6 that recent meetings with FEMA were turning out to be “disappointing and concerning.”

Documents reviewed by News 6 reveal the repair costs for the marina total $20 million. This summer, the city discovered the federal agency only agreed to fund $6.4 million, which covers only silt removal and leaves taxpayers responsible for the rest.

Sanford has enlisted a firm skilled in handling FEMA claims, hoping to secure full reimbursement. Nevertheless, the mayor told News 6 they are prepared to use funds from the city’s general fund to progress with the marina restoration if necessary.

“We’re to the point where, definitely, the silt removal is eligible for reimbursement,” said Mayor Woodruff. “Based on our appeal, the rest of it may or may not be eligible for reimbursement. But, you know, regardless of it, it’s been almost three years since the damage occurred. We’ve got to get this fixed and get going.”

Mayor Woodruff said the city will continue with the appeals process, but they have reserved the money they need for the repairs and will still move forward with the dock replacement and silt removal — even if they are not reimbursed.

This summer, a spokesperson for FEMA told News 6 that the marina project remains under review. And that “By law, FEMA may only reimburse costs to return the marina to its pre-disaster condition, and any damage must be a result of the disaster. FEMA cannot reimburse for repair of damage caused by deterioration or deferred maintenance. Our team is in regular contact with the city and the Florida Division of Emergency Management as we work to reimburse every dollar of FEMA assistance for which the city is eligible under the law.”

Documents included in the agenda for Monday night’s city commission meeting show the contract for the design and permitting will cost roughly $1 million with firm Neel-Schafer, Inc.

The mayor said that process could take a year alone to complete, before any construction or dredging begins along the waterfront.

“And so we may not see any quick work being done because we have to get through all of the design and all of the permitting process, and some of the permitting is through the state and through the water management district,” said Woodruff.

He added he is confident the commission will approve the contract and get the ball rolling.

“The entire commission has been waiting for this to happen,” said Woodruff. “And that’s why we’ve got the money set aside for it.”