Subject:
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Off Strategic Intermodal System funding application with the Florida Department of Transportation for the construction of East Lake Road from south of Curlew Road to north of Trinity Boulevard
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the Off Strategic Intermodal System funding application with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for the construction of East Lake Road from south of Curlew Road to north of Trinity Boulevard.
• Grant request is $140,000,000.00 for construction portion of project.
• Grant funding is proposed for Fiscal Year (FY) 2031 through 2036.
• Proposed match is $35,000,00.00, anticipated to be derived from Local Infrastructure Sales Tax (Penny for Pinellas).
• Board of County Commissioners’ ratification will be on the July 21, 2026 agenda.
• Funding for this project is not included in the FY26-FY31 Capital Improvement Plan, as East Lake Rd (CR 611) from south of Curlew Road to north of Trinity Blvd. (CR 966), project 003879A, is scheduled for Penny V after the current 6-Year CIP.
• No signature required.
PID 003879A; Total project costs are $175,000,000.00; grant funding request $140,000,000.00 with a $35,000,000.00 County match. Authorize County Administrator to approve submission of the grant application.
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Strategic Priorities:
Resilient Infrastructure and Environment
1.1 Improve traffic flow efficiency.
1.2 Maintain and enhance County infrastructure.
Healthy and Safe Communities
2.2 Enhance Community Safety.
Summary:
The County Administrator is authorizing approval and submittal of the Off Strategic Intermodal System (Off-SIS) Funding Application to the FDOT for construction improvements to East Lake Road from south of Curlew Road to north of Trinity Boulevard in FY 2031 through 2036. Construction costs are expected to be $175,000,000.00. The Grant Funding request is for $140,000,000.00 with a $35,000,000.00 County match.
Through the proposed project, the County will seek intersection configurations to vastly improve traffic flow, along with increasing capacity, by widening East Lake Road to the inside. The preliminary engineering study indicates that the proposed improvements will significantly improve the traffic level of service during peak period and reduce the number and severity of crashes.
The Public Works Director is seeking approval and execution of the Funding Application. The executive summary of the Application is attached. Ratification of the final Application submittal is expected on the July 21, 2026, Board meeting.
Background/Explanation:
The Strategic Intermodal System (SIS) was established by the Florida Legislature in 2003 to enhance the State’s economic prosperity and competitiveness. FDOT is responsible for the SIS, which is an intermodal network of transportation facilities that seamlessly flows from one (1) mode to the next, with the goal of providing the highest degree of mobility for people and goods moving through Florida.
As a result of a 2022 SIS Policy Plan Update, FDOT evolved the SIS program to increase funding flexibility allowing for SIS funding for projects on non-SIS facilities which demonstrate support to the SIS network. The East Lake Road Corridor project, support congestion relief to the U.S.19 Corridor, a designated SIS Corridor, supporting project eligibility.
Fiscal Impact:
Grant application is for $140,000,000.00, with a proposed County match of $35,000,000.00, anticipated to be derived from Local Infrastructure Sales Tax (Penny for Pinellas). Grant funding is proposed for Fiscal Year (FY) 2031 through 2036.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to approve and submit this Application is requested. The Board is expected to consider ratification of this item, including the finalized grant application, at the next scheduled meeting.
Staff Member Responsible:
Kelli Hammer Levy, Director, Public Works
Partners:
FDOT
Attachments:
Grant Application
Intent to apply memorandum - Director approval
OMB Grants review