Subject:
Title
Bridge Investment Program grant application to the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration for the replacement of Dunedin Causeway Main Channel Bridge in the City of Dunedin.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval of the Bridge Investment Program grant application to the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration for the replacement of Dunedin Causeway Main Channel Bridge.
• Existing bridge has reduced capacity due and is classified as scour critical, structurally deficient, and functionally obsolete.
• Requested grant funding is $79,088,000.00 (80%); anticipated County match is $19,772,000.00 (20%).
• Request authority for the County Administrator to approve submission of the application on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners (Board) due to the submission deadline. Application deadline for submission is November 1, 2024.
• Legistar Item 24-0940D with the completed application will be forthcoming.
• Funding for the County match is budgeted under the Dunedin Causeway Bridge Project (000423A) in the Fiscal Year 2025-2030 Adopted Capital Improvement Plan, funded by the Penny for Pinellas.
County PID: 000423A; Total project cost approximately $98,860,000.00, with anticipated grant funding received being $79,088,000.00; County match is $19,772,000.00; Authorize the County Administrator to sign and submit the grant application on behalf of the Board.
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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:
Summary
This action authorizes the County Administrator to submit the Grant Application on behalf of the Board for the replacement of the Dunedin Causeway Main Channel Bridge due to time constraints. The Application is being prepared by the County’s consultant, with anticipated completion by October 29, 2024. The grant application deadline is November 1, 2024. The final completed Grant Application will then come back to the Board through Legistar item 24-0940D.
The existing bridge is scour critical and structurally deficient due to aging and does not meet current engineering standards for resisting damage from high waves during significant storms and vessel impact. Incidences of mechanical failure of the bascule bridge have affected both vehicular and boat traffic. Emergency services have reduced efficiency because of the limited right-of-way on the bridge. The 6-foot-wide, multi-use path on the south side of the bridge is not able to accommodate the volume of pedestrians and cyclists over the bridge.
Background Information:
The Dunedin Causeway Bridge, constructed in 1963, is a low-level bascule bridge that spans the Intracoastal Waterway and connects Ward Island to the Dunedin Causeway. Causeway Boulevard is a designated state and county evacuation route, providing the only link to the mainland for residents and visitors.
A total of $9.7 billion was made available through the USDOT. Funding will be granted to selected projects that involve bridge replacement, rehabilitation, preservation, and protection.
Fiscal Impact:
The total cost of the project is approximately $98,860,000.00. Requested funding is $79,088,000.00 (80%); anticipated County match is $19,772,000.00 (20%). The local match will be funded the FY 2024-2029 Capital Improvement Program and from the FDOT District 7 Advance Reimbursement Agreement (Bridge Replacement Funds).
Staff Member Responsible:
Kelli Hammer Levy, Director, Public Works
Partners:
USDOT
FHWA
FDOT
City of Dunedin
Attachments:
Draft Application Executive Summary
Draft Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424)
Draft Application Project Narrative Form
Draft Application Budget Narrative Form
Draft Application Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL)
Draft Application Lobbying Form
Draft Application Budget Information for Construction Programs (SF-424C)
Draft Application Assurances for Construction Programs (SF-424D)
Notice of Funding Opportunity