Subject:
Title
Bridge Investment Program grant application to the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration for the replacement of Beckett Bridge over Whitcomb Bayou in the City of Tarpon Springs.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval by the County Administrator to submit the Bridge Investment Program grant application to the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration for the replacement of Beckett Bridge over Whitcomb Bayou in the City of Tarpon Springs.
• Existing bridge has reduced capacity due to ongoing deterioration and is classified as structurally deficient and functionally obsolete.
• Application deadline for submission is March 19, 2024.
• Legistar Item 24-0163A was approved by the Board of County Commissioners (Board) on March 5, 2024. This item approved requested grant funding in the amount of is $21,313,600.00 (80%), with an anticipated non-federal match of $5,328,400.00 (20%).
• The requested grant funding and anticipated County match has since increased. The Requested grant funding is now $26,455,200.00 (80%), and the anticipated County match is $6,613,800.00 (20%).
• Ratification of revisions made to the original Legistar item 24-0163A in this Legistar item 24-0180D will be presented to the Board as another Legistar item at a future meeting.
• Total project grant estimate is $33,069,000.00 with anticipated grant funding received being $26,455,200.00; County match is $6,613,800.00. This includes an anticipated pass-thru of $3,925,000 to Tarpon Springs for Utilities Relocation (Water & Sewer) and $29,144,000 for Bridge Construction, Beckett Bridge Replacement (001037A).
• Beckett Bridge Replacement (001037A) is budgeted in the FY24-29 Capital Improvement Program plan. It is funded by Local Infrastructure Sales Surtax (Penny for Pinellas) and Impact Fees. There is sufficient budget for this project. However, the grant from the United States Department of Transportation is not reflected in the budget at this time and would need to be added, if approved.
Authorize the County Administrator to approve Public Works Department to submit the grant application.
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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 Board, on March 5th, 2024, authorized the County Administrator to submit the Grant Application for the replacement of the Beckett Bridge in the City of Tarpon Springs due to time constraints. The Application is currently being prepared by the County’s consultant, with anticipated completion by March 14, 2024. The final completed Grant Application package will be brought back to the Board through a future Legistar item.
The existing bridge has reduced capacity due to ongoing deterioration and is classified as structurally deficient and functionally obsolete. The Bridge is weight restricted and currently posted with load limits. The recent Bridge Inspection, dated July 2023, has the Bridge condition as a 4 (poor condition) for Performance Rating and Substructure, on a scale from 0 to 9. The Report also included a Sufficiency Rating of 30 on a scale of 0-100.
The proposed new Beckett Bridge will meet all current design and safety standards, provide enhanced bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and eliminate the need for frequent repairs.
Background/Explanation:
Beckett Bridge connects areas west and north of the Whitcomb Bayou to downtown Tarpon Springs and provides access to major north/south arterials including Alt U.S. 19 and U.S. 19 for residents during hurricane evacuation.
A total of $9.62 billion were made available through the USDOT. Funding will be granted to selected projects that involve bridge replacement, rehabilitation, preservation, and protection. The deadline for the grant application to be submitted is March 19, 2024.
Fiscal Impact:
Beckett Bridge Replacement (001037A) is budgeted in the FY24-29 Capital Improvement Program plan. It is funded by Local Infrastructure Sales Surtax (Penny for Pinellas) and Impact Fees.
The total project grant estimate is $33,069,000.00 with anticipated grant funding received being $26,455,200.00; County match is $6,613,800.00. This includes an anticipated pass-thru of $3,925,000 to Tarpon Springs for Utilities Relocation (Water & Sewer) and $29,144,000 for Bridge Construction, Beckett Bridge Replacement (001037A).
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to approve submittal of this grant application was approved by the Board of County Commissioners on March 5, 2024 (24-0163A).
Staff Member Responsible:
Kelli Hammer Levy, Director, Public Works
Partners:
USDOT
FHWA
FDOT
City of Tarpon Springs
Attachments:
1. Final Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424)
2. Final Application Project Narrative Attachments Form
2. 1. Excel Application for Grants.gov
2. 2. Final Supplemental Narrative
2. A. Technical Documents
2. B. Financial Documents
2. C. Schedule
2. D. Benefit Cost Analysis Narrative
2. E. Benefit Cost Analysis Tool Outputs
2. F. Letters of Support
3. Final Application Budget Narrative Attachments Form
4. Final Application Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL)
5. Final Application Lobbying Form
OMB Grant Review
Project Location Map