Okaloosa County BOCC — May 4, 2013 — 4-2-13 Resolution Mid-Bay Bridge — reading text

Resolution A Resolution of the Board of County Commissioners of Okaloosa County, Florida Opposing Legislation Transferring Governance and Control of the Mid-Bay Bridge Authority’s Assets and Legal Rights WHEREAS, the Mid-Bay Bridge Authority was established by legislation as set forth in Chapters 86-465, 88-542, and re-codified as 2000-411 Laws of Florida to plan, construct, operate, and maintain a bridge and appurtenant facilities across Choctawhatchee Bay in Okaloosa County; and WHEREAS, the Authority has performed said duties, resulting in the creation of the Mid-Bay Bridge, with approach roadways extending from U.S. Highway 98 in Destin, Florida, to State Highway 20 in Niceville, Florida, and in construction now proceeding for a limited access highway from north of State Road 20 to State Road 85; and WHEREAS, in 2013, the Florida Legislature is considering legislation (currently designated SB 1132) which Section 26 and 27 transfers governance and control of the assets and legal rights of the Mid-Bay Bridge Authority to a three county regional toll authority; and WHEREAS, this transfer of Okaloosa County’s transportation assets from a local Authority to a regional authority, runs counter to the reasons that the Authority was first established: the evaluation and operation of a bridge and access roads designed for local residents and visitors in view of the lack of state revenues for such construction; and WHEREAS, the purpose of a local transportation authority is to address local needs and concerns with targeted projects supported by their users; WHEREAS, the Mid-Bay Bridge Authority has targeted numerous local needs since it was created in 1986, and improved the circulation of traffic in Okaloosa County; and WHEREAS, there are agreements between the Mid-Bay Bridge Authority and the Secretary of the United States Air Force respecting the placement of the limited access highway on land controlled by Eglin Air Force Base, and associated funding of ongoing construction of improvements at Eglin Air Force Base; and WHEREAS, a cooperative and open relationship with Eglin Air Force Base has been carefully nurtured by all of Okaloosa County to improve the lives of residents and visitors; and  WHEREAS, the governing bodies of authorities consist of citizens in their local region with many being local elected officials, or appointees of the Governor or the local Board of County Commissioners; and WHEREAS, local toll authorities provide a vital and effective organizational model for delivering transportation improvements throughout the State of Florida. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF OKALOOSA COUNTY, FLORIDA THAT: A. THE BOARD OPPOSES SECTIONS 26 AND 27 of SB1132 THAT PROPOSES THE TRANSFER OF GOVERNANCE AND CONTROL OF THE ASSETS AND LEGAL RIGHTS OF THE MID- BAY BRIDGE AUTHORITY, and A. THE BOARD SUPPORTS USER-FINANCED TRANSPORTATION IN OKALOOSA COUNTY THROUGH THE CONTINUED PARTNERSHIP AMONG THE MID-BAY BRIDGE AUTHORITY, EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE AND THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION. DULY PASSED AND ADOPTED this 2nd day of April, 2013. BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OKALOOSA COUNTY, FLORIDA ATTEST: _________________________________ DON R. AMUNDS CHAIRMAN ___________________________ DON W. HOWARD CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT