Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) presented Palm Beach County with a $12.2 million reimbursement for Army Corps projects, including Ocean Ridge beach renourishment.

“Beaches mean much more to our community than just a place to get a suntan. Beaches protect our property, they are home to natural habitats, and they attract visitors from all over the world.  This means millions of dollars in property taxes and tourist dollars to our region,” said Frankel.  

Hurricane Sandy devastated South Florida’s coastal communities, which remain vulnerable to future deadly storms. South Florida’s beaches make the state the top travel designation in the world.  However, beach erosion has already hurt local businesses and threatened natural habitats.  Last year, Rep. Frankel worked with the House Appropriations Committee to obtain funds for shore protection. 

“The economic and environmental value of our beautiful shoreline is recognized by President Obama, the Army Corp of Engineers and my colleagues in Congress with this check which represents the $12 million the Federal government is reimbursing Palm Beach County for beach restoration in Ocean Ridge, Boca Raton, Delray and Carlin Beach in Jupiter,” added Frankel.

Revenue from regional beaches help fund schools, our policemen, and our firemen, and produce thousands of jobs in Palm Beach County.

• 87 million visitors and $67 billion impact to Florida’s economy comes through tourism.
• Tourism created 450,000 Florida jobs in 2012.
• Our visitors spend over $100 per day in Florida beaches.
• In Palm Beach County – out-of-county beach visitors spent almost $82 million in Palm Beach County in 2012.
• Almost $136 million increase in total sales in 2012.  Over 2800 jobs increased.

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