Subject:
Title
Bridge Investment Program grant application with the Federal Highway Administration for the replacement of Beckett Bridge in the City of Tarpon Springs.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval by the County Administrator for the Bridge Investment Program Grant Application with the Federal Highway Administration for the replacement of Beckett Bridge in the City of Tarpon Springs.
• The Board of County Commissioners (BCC) approved submission of the grant application and signed the Letter of Support at the August 16, 2022 BCC Meeting (Granicus Item 22-1140A).
• Existing Bridge has reduced capacity due to ongoing deterioration and is classified as structurally deficient and functionally obsolete and proposed new bridge will meet all current safety standards and provide enhanced bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
• Grant funding is $18,900,000.00 (90%); anticipated County match is $2,100,000.00 (10%).
• Application deadline was September 8, 2022.
• No signature is required.
County PID: 001037A; Total project cost approximately $21,000,000.00, with anticipated grant funding received being $18,900,000.00.
Body
Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.5 Enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety
Foster Continual Economic Growth and Vitality
4.4 Invest in infrastructure to meet current and future needs
4.5 Provide safe and effective transportation systems to support the efficient flow of motorists, commerce, and regional connectivity
Summary:
The BCC authorized the County Administrator to approve the grant application for the replacement of the Beckett Bridge in the City of Tarpon Springs at the August 16, 2022. This was necessary due to time constraints with the County’s consultant, WSP, Inc., who completed the application after the agenda deadline for next BCC meeting. Submission deadline for the grant application was September 8, 2022.
Background/Explanation:
Grant funding will support the replacement of Beckett Bridge in Tarpon Springs. The existing bridge has reduced capacity due to ongoing deterioration and is classified as structurally deficient and functionally obsolete. The Bridge is currently posted for legal loads limited to 12-ton single unit trucks and 15-ton combination trucks. The Bridge is founded on karst subsurface conditions with a portion of the Bridge, including the bascule span and one approach span, located over a relict sinkhole. The foundations have a long history of vertical settlement and horizontal movement requiring major repairs. The continued settlement and movement require frequent monitoring, surveying inspections and maintenance.
Beckett Bridge connects areas west and north of the Whitcomb Bayou to downtown Tarpon Springs. Riverside Drive is an extension of Tarpon Avenue which is a designated hurricane evacuation route. Beckett Bridge provides access to major north/south arterials including Alternative U.S. 19 and U.S. 19 for coastal residents during hurricane evacuation. The bridge also provides access for emergency vehicles, including police, ambulance, and fire.
A total of $2.36 billion BIP funds were made available through the FHWA, a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) that specializes in highway transportation. Funding will be granted to selected projects that involve bridge replacement, rehabilitation, preservation, and protection.
Fiscal Impact:
There is no change to the funding approved by the BCC.
The total cost of the project is approximately $21,000,000.00. Requested BIP funding is $18,900,000.00 (90%). The anticipated County match is $2,100,000.00 (10%). The local match will be funded through the FY 2023-2025 Capital Improvement Program.
The Beckett Bridge replacement project is currently reflected in the proposed budget as primarily Local Infrastructure Sales Tax (Penny for Pinellas) funded.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to approve this grant application is granted per delegated authority of the BCC at the August 16, 2022 BCC Meeting.
Staff Member Responsible:
Kelli Hammer Levy, Director, Public Works
Partners:
USDOT
FHWA
City of Tarpon Springs
Attachments:
Grant Application
Appendices A - F
BCC Letter of Support
OMB Intent to Apply
Project Location Map
Notice of Funding Opportunity