Okaloosa County BOCC — June 7, 2016 — Bridge to Bridge Project — agenda request

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REQUEST DATE: June 7, 2016 TO: Honorable Chairman and Members of the Board FROM: Ed Schroeder SUBJECT: Bridge to Bridge Project DEPARTMENT: Tourist Development Department BCC DISTRICT: 2,4,5 STATEMENT OF ISSUE: Seeking direction on whether a pathway along the north side of Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island from Brooks Bridge to Marler Bridge is a project the Board wishes to pursue. BACKGROUND: Okaloosa Island Leaseholders Association (OILA) has requested $102,172 in tourist development taxes to fund the initial phase of a pathway to be located along the north side of Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island from Brooks Bridge (connecting into the new pedestrian pathway of the replacement bridge) to Marler Bridge (winding under the bridge to connect into the existing south side bike path). The proposed project site is located on state and federally owned lands and will require approvals from FDOT and Eglin AFB. In order to seek such approvals, the following tasks must be performed:  Survey, legal description, appraisal  Finding of no significant impact  Environmental impact study  PD&E study  Alignment The overall timeline for the Eglin AFB outgrant process executed at base level typically takes 6- 12 months. Those executed at the Air Force level typically take 12-24 months. Potential project costs include, but may not be limited to: Task Estimated Cost Preliminary Survey Services $34,920 Preliminary Design (30%) $67,252 Environmental Baseline Survey $14,168 Environmental Assessment $60,000 - $75,000 Final Design & Construction Plans $65,000 - $70,000 Construction TBD ($1M est. based on $200K per mile) Maintenance & Repair TBD OILA is requesting the County assume ownership of the project, including future maintenance obligations. If approved, the project would be coordinated by Public Works and the Tourist Development Plan amended to allow for such use of TDT funds. OILA applied for, but was denied ORAC funding. Other potential funding sources include, but may not be limited to, FDEP Florida Trails, FDOT TAP, US DOT, FHA Recreational Trails Program. At its May 23 meeting, the TDC voted to recommend approval of up to $102K for preliminary survey and design services to explore whether the pathway is feasible. Staff is seeking direction on whether a pathway along the north side of Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island from Brooks Bridge to Marler Bridge is a project the Board wishes to pursue. If so, the first step would be to issue an RFP for preliminary survey and design services. OPTIONS: Approve or Disapprove RECOMMENDATION: Provide direction on whether a pathway along the north side of Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island from Brooks Bridge to Marler Bridge is a project the Board wishes to pursue. RECOMMENDED BY: APPROVED BY: John Hofstad, County Administrator