Subject:
Title
Ratification of staff’s electronic submission of a grant application to the U.S. Department of Transportation for the National Infrastructure Investments under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019 - Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development program.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Ratify, confirm and enter into the minutes the electronic submission of a grant application to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation grant funding for an amount up to $25 million.
• Grant Funding is for the replacement of the Dunedin Causeway Bridges - Main Bascule Bridge, and Tide Relief Bridge.
• County is required to provide a local match greater than 20% for a project located in an urban area. The local match is anticipated to be funded by the Local Option Infrastructure Sales Surtax (Penny for Pinellas).
• Total project cost is estimated at $89,023,130 for design, construction, and inspection phase services. Should the full grant request in the amount of $25 million be awarded, there will be a remaining expenditure of $64,023,130.00.
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Strategic Plan:
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 of County Commissioners is requested to ratify, confirm and enter into the minutes the approval of the grant application that was electronically submitted by the due date of July 15, 2019.
If awarded, the grant will be used to help fund the cost of constructing a tide relief bridge and mid-level movable bridge (preferred alternative) in place of the two existing bridges located at the Dunedin Causeway. The project development and environment study for the bridges is underway and expected to be completed in June of 2020.
Background Information:
The existing Dunedin Causeway Bridges are the only access that connects the City of Dunedin to Honeymoon Island State Park and residential living. Both bridges were constructed in 1963 and are considered "functionally obsolete" because of their narrow width.
According to a 2015 Florida Department of Transportation bridge inspection report, the main bascule bridge contains fractured critical components and is considered scour critical. It has a sufficiently rating of 48.6 out of 100. There are no shoulders on the bridges, and the sidewalks on the north side are only 3 ½ feet wide. The multi-use path on the south side of the bridge is only 6 feet wide. Both the Main and Tide Relief bridges do not meet current engineering standards for resisting damage from high waves during significant storm events and vessel impacts. Ongoing maintenance and repair of the Main (bascule) Bridge machinery also affects reliability, and results in traffic delays. Major rehabilitation or replacement of both bridges is needed to keep the bridges open and the Main (bascule) Bridge operating efficiently.
Fiscal Impact:
There is no fiscal impact to the County with the submission of this grant application. Should funding be approved by DOT, the federal share of the funding is for an amount up to $25 million. The County will be required to provide a local match greater than 20%. Total project costs are anticipated to be $89,023,130, with up to $25 million in grant funding, and remaining estimated expenditures in the amount of $64,023,130.
The local match is not fully budgeted in the six-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Plan. Currently, there is $13,725,000 included in the FY20-25 CIP and another $16,275,000 proposed beyond FY25. County staff will also be seeking other grant opportunities to close the funding gap.
Staff Member Responsible:
Addie Javed, Director, Public Works
Partners:
Forward Pinellas
City of Dunedin
Attachments:
BUILD Grant Application SF424
Project Narrative for Application
BUILD Grant SF424 Maps
Letters of Support
County Administrator Approval Letter
BUILD Grant Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA)
Intent to Apply Form
Budget Detail Report