Contract Awarded Again To Remove Derelict Vessels, Log Jam From Escambia River

May 17, 2013

Thursday night, Escambia County awarded a contract to remove derelict vessels and clear a log jam from a section of the Escambia River near McDavid.

In February, Escambia County awarded a $68,498 contract to Florida Forest Recyclers, LLC to remove the vessels and associated debris — including thousands of logs — from the Escambia River about  one river mile north of the Cotton Lake boat ramp. The agreement was not executed as written at that time.

The contract awarded Thursday night for the same amount to the same contractor was revised to waive the bond requirements at the request of Interim County Administrator George Touart. The agreement provides for a one-time payment upon final completion and inspection of the project. The standard practice of the County is to require payment and performance bonds for projects in excess of $100,000.

One of the required permits for the project has a start date of June 1, according to Escambia County Commissioner Steven Barry.

“I spoke to the contractor….and they assured me they would be removing logs on June 1,” Barry said. “I am very excited for the freshwater sportsmen of District 5 and Escambia County who have been waiting years for this project to begin.”

The bid from Florida Forest Recyclers was over a half million dollars lower than  bids received from two Alabama companies. A $527,000 bid was received from Crowder Gulf Joint Ventures of Theodore, while DRC Emergency Services, LLC bid $792,622.14.

Pictured top: A logjam stretches bank to bank, blocking the Escambia River near McDavid (courtesy photo). Pictured below: An abandoned boat along the Escambia River. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.


Comments

4 Responses to “Contract Awarded Again To Remove Derelict Vessels, Log Jam From Escambia River”

  1. Glenn Flowers on February 15th, 2014 8:26 am

    This is a shame, this log jam was the only sanctuary on Escambia River where fish could be safe from river rapers.

  2. paul on August 26th, 2013 10:23 pm

    It sure seems to me that the river,that i knowvery well would be easier to navigate a larger vessel while it is high,for there a lot of submerged logs from either direction that will make navigating very difficult if goes down too much.sure will be nice to reach some pf my old hunting spots from cotton lake!

  3. just saying.... on May 17th, 2013 6:58 pm

    The Swamp People are good candidates to remove the boat and the good ole guy’s from Duck Dynasty to blow up the beaver’s dam…..I say charge tickets and bring in some money to the Jay/Century area……j/k…..but a thought!

  4. Jane on May 17th, 2013 6:41 am

    When Steven Barry held a meeting at Molino Cummunity center the rep for the company kept saying they were waiting for the water to go down on the river……..