NSB Seeking Grant For North Causeway Boat Dock Improvements

New Smyrna Beach, FL – Changes to New Smyrna Beach’s waterfront could be on the way as city leaders discuss a project that could revamp the docks and area around the North Causeway. The city approved a resolution on March 8 to apply for a grant from the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) to fund the design and conversion of five city docks into floating docks.  The docks—located on the North Causeway—have presented the city with some minor safety issues in the past, with some residents reporting difficulties getting into their boats during low tide. The initial plan was to convert those docks into floating docks, while also adding a new kayak launch and outdoor picnic area for “recreational enhancements,” per the original resolution. The total estimated cost for the project was $85,000, but the city planned to reach out to FIND to cover 50 percent of the deal. Now the city will discuss new additions with an amendment to the initial resolution. According to the agenda for the city’s Tuesday night meeting (April 12), the amendment will add about 1,220 lineal feet of floating dock, additional pavilions, and about 270 lineal feet of living shoreline. That now tacks on an additional $209,000, bringing the city’s total estimated cost to $294,000. Still, the city is applying for a grant from FIND to cover at least half of the cost. The agenda item says the current budget is set at $50,000. NSB’s meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. News Daytona Beach has reached out to NSB Mayor Russ Owen for comment and to ask more about the project. He was not available to speak.