Steve Otwell, Kevin Begos and Taunya James
Franklin County commissioners are throwing their support behind a request for federal money to help the local seafood industry.
The University of Florida, The Franklin County Seafood Workers Association and the Franklin County Oyster and Seafood Industry task force will seek 800 thousand dollars over three years to help address issues facing the local oyster industry.
The exact purpose of the money is still being decided, though University of Florida professor Steve Otwell said a portion of the money would help continue funding the local oyster lab at the Apalachicola airport. Other potential uses are for equipment, dockside refrigeration, and training materials.
Under the current proposal, the University of Florida would use 100 thousand dollars a year for three years for the oyster lab, the seafood workers association and the oyster industry task force would share 500 thousand dollars over 3 years. Task Force Director Kevin Begos said the goal is to help as many local people as possible.
County Commissioners have agreed to make the funding request its top federal funding priority this year. The commission also agreed to seek federal money to dredge the Eastpoint channel and to seek money for a federally qualified health clinic for Carrabelle.
The requests for funding will have to be in by March and if the county receives any of the money it will likely be available in the Fall.
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