8/21/1990 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Public Works Director Jim Davis explained that because of the FEC's resistance to a new crossing, some consideration has been given to widening the existing roadway all the way to U.S. #1. However, that would mean purchasing expensive right-of-way and a delay of the project. County Engineer Roger Cain advised that he has been commu- nicating with both the DOT and the FEC about the new crossing, and regardless of which alignment we go with, we still have to negotiate with the railroad. The railroad is indicating that we would have to give up 3 crossings for one, and we are continuing to negotiate that. The County may have to go to an administrative hearing with the FEC to settle the issue over a new crossing, and the DOT is acting as an intermediary between the County and FEC in the negotiations. Commissioner Bird still had a problem giving up three existing crossings for one new crossing, and Commissioner Scurlock believed it is most likely that the County will have to settle the issue at a hearing since the railroad has taken a position that they don't want to give anything up. Mr. Cain advised that the DOT is going to take this back to some committee for long-range planning to see what recommendation they would make. We do need some decision from the DOT, preferably one in our favor, so that we can go forward. Carl Fischer, north county resident, questioned the feasibility of going ahead with the twin pairs project when the County has been working with the railroad for 6 years now and hasn't come to any agreement. He felt the main goal should be to get 4 lanes in there to relieve the congestion. Director Davis pointed out that it was only 5 years ago when the County purchased the 100 -ft. wide right-of-way strip from Gulf S Western Railroad for approximately $200,000. He felt the twin pairs design especially with the 900 -ft. separation between the two legs, is a superior design and that it will work real well. 49 AUG 2 11990