Okaloosa County BOCC — September 16, 2014 — FWB Bridge Study Resolution — reading text

RESOLUTION 2014-14 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF FORT WALTON BEACH, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE BROOKS BRIDGE AND THE STUDY TO EXAMINE THE NEED FOR A SECOND BRIDGE BETWEEN FORT WALTON BEACH AND OKALOOSA ISLAND. WHEREAS, the City of Fort Walton Beach realizes that the existing Brooks Bridge is nearing the end of its service life and needs to be replaced; and WHEREAS, the City realizes that as part of the Brooks Bridge replacement study, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will also determine the need and justification for an additional bridge crossing to Okaloosa Island; and WHEREAS, the project development and environmental (PD&E) study will explore various alternatives and alignments for the replacement of the current Brooks Bridge; and WHEREAS, the PD&E study will explore the need for an additional bridge, based on environmental, engineering and socioeconomic conditions, safety needs and public input; and WHEREAS, FDOT will work with federal and state partners to explore possible exceptions to federal bridge height and grade requirements for the replacement of the Brooks Bridge in order to provide minimal impact to our community. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT WALTON BEACH: Supports these extremely important FDOT PD&E studies and will attempt to build consensus with the citizens and businesses of the City and surrounding communities on the importance that these two studies have for our community’s future. Date: 8-12-14 Make Fries — Mike Anderson, Mayor Attes}: Approved for form, lega Mbnle Helen Spencer, City Clerk