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Okaloosa County BOCC — February 18, 2014 — Widening of US 98 Resolution — reading text
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RESOLUTION: 2014-_______
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF OKALOOSA COUNTY, FLORIDA,
TO SUPPORT THE WIDENING OF US 98
WHEREAS, the widening of US 98 from 4 lanes to 6 lanes in limited portions of
Okaloosa and Walton Counties is currently funded for design only.
WHEREAS, no funding has been allocated to commence right-of-way acquisition or
construction to widen the road and without funding the project cannot advance.
WHEREAS, US 98 is a critical facility that is currently operating below the adopted level
of service standard in certain segments and is in dire need of widening.
WHEREAS, US 98 links military installations and a regional airport and is the main
highway serving the gulf beaches and thus is critical to the economy of Florida
WHEREAS, US 98 serves as the feeder road during the evacuation of the Gulf Coast and
expansion of US 98 is needed to improve evacuation times during hurricane events.
WHEREAS, portions of US 98 are designated on the State of Florida’s Strategic
Intermodal System (SIS) and thus are to receive priority funding by the State for road
improvements; and
WHEREAS, US 98 increased capacity (6 lane widening) from the Okaloosa County line
to Tang-O-Mar Drive is the Okaloosa – Walton TPO’s #1 SIS Project (FY 15-19 O-W TPO
Annual Priorities, Table IV).
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of
Okaloosa County, Florida, that:
1. The Florida Legislature and Florida Department of Transportation should
prioritize the widening of US 98 by funding the right-of-way acquisition and construction dollars
needed to widen US 98 from 4 lanes to 6 lanes for the portions of US 98 already in design phase.
2. The Florida Legislature should direct the Florida Department of Transportation to
study US 98 in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton and Bay Counties and identify where
improvements are needed or will be needed in the near future and prioritize those improvements.
DONE AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of Okaloosa County,
Florida, on this the 18th day of February 2014.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OKALOOSA COUNTY, FLORIDA
By:
CHARLES K. WINDES, Jr., CHAIRMAN
ATTEST:
DON W. HOWARD
CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT