Subject:
Title
Ratification of the revisions made to the requested grant funding and anticipated County match for the submitted 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
Ratification of the revisions made to the requested grant funding and anticipated County match for the submitted 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.
• Legistar Item 24-0163A was approved by the Board of County Commissioners (Board) on March 5, 2024, directing the County Administrator to submit the grant application. Requested grant funding in the amount of $21,313,600.00 (80%), with an anticipated non-federal match of $5,328,400.00 (20%).
• Legistar Item 24-0180D was approved by the County Administrator on March 18, 2024. Requested grant funding and anticipated County match increased after Board approval. Requested grant funding is now $26,455,200.00 (80%), and anticipated County match is $6,613,800.00 (20%).
• Final completed grant application was submitted on March 19, 2024, and has been presented to the Board.
• These increases from Legistar Item 24-0163A to Legistar Item 24-0180D require ratification.
• The total project cost is approximately $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 $3,925,000.00 to Tarpon Springs for Utilities Relocation (The Florida Department of Transportation has agreed to pay $3,850,000.00 towards the utility relocation. Tarpon Springs will assume responsibility for identifying a financial source to cover the difference) and $29,144,000.00 for Bridge Construction, Beckett Bridge Replacement (001037A).
• Beckett Bridge Replacement (001037A) is budgeted in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-2029 Capital Improvement Program plan. It is funded by Local Infrastructure Sales Surtax (Penny for Pinellas) and Impact Fees.
• As proposed in the FY25-30 Capital Improvement Plan, there is $29,144,000.00 in Penny for Pinellas for the construction of Beckett Bridge. Should this grant be awarded, this will result in a $22,530,200.00 savings in the Penny for Pinellas, after the County’s $6,613,800.00 grant contribution.
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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
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 County Administrator, on March 18th, 2024, authorized staff to submit the Grant Application with an increase in the requested grant funding and anticipated County match. The Grant Application was submitted on March 19th, 2024.
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.
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Background Information:
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.
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 cost is approximately $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 $3,925,000.00 to Tarpon Springs for Utilities Relocation (FDOT has agreed to pay $3,850,000.00 towards the utility relocation. Tarpon springs will assume responsibility for identifying a financial source to cover the difference) and $29,144,000 for Bridge Construction, Beckett Bridge Replacement (001037A).
As proposed in the FY25-30 Capital Improvement Plan, there is $29,144,000.00 in Penny for Pinellas for the construction of Beckett Bridge. Should this grant be awarded, this will result in a $22,530,200.00 savings in the Penny for Pinellas, after the County’s $6,613,800.00 grant contribution.
Staff Member Responsible:
Kelli Hammer Levy, Director, Public Works
Partners:
USDOT
FHWA
FDOT
City of Tarpon Springs
Attachments:
Submission to Grants
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