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In the two years that applications for enhancement funding have been accepted by FDOT, three projects within the MPO area have been funded through placement in FDOT's Five -Year Work Program. These projects each involve bicycle/pedestrian improvements, and are the Jungle Trail project, Sebastian Riverfront project, and North County Recreation Route project. ANALYSIS Last year, the County was the applicant for six enhancement projects, totalling nearly $4 million in federal and state funding. Of these projects, only one received funding. That was the North County Recreation Route project; its cost is estimated at $1,038,080. The other projects were not funded, and must be resubmitted in order to receive funding in a future program cycle. At its June 14, 1995 meeting, the MPO discussed the county's bicycle and pedestrian system, and noted that there is a need for sidewalk construction near schools. Several of last year's enhancement project applications would provide sidewalks near schools. In the attached table, staff have listed each of last year's applications, provided information on the project cost, and noted if the project provides for sidewalks on the School District's priority list. Available Funding This year, FDOT has informed all MPOs of the estimated. amount of enhancement funding available in the upcoming Work Program cycle. The amount allotted to the Indian River County MPO area will be approximately $250,000, to be programmed in state Fiscal Year 2000/2001. This is the first year that the MPO has known the estimated funding for enhancement projects prior to the submittal deadline. By providing this information to the MPOs, FDOT has assisted the MPOs and potential applicants in determining the potential of funding for enhancement applications. Given that the funding available for this year's enhancement project applications is (significantly less than in previous years, the County would be best served by applying for only one project within the Fiscal Year 2000/2001 time frame. Staff could submit all unfunded applications from last year, but since only $250,000 in funding is available, only one project could be funded. Analysis of 1994 Enhancement Applications As shown on the attached table, the Causeway Connector was the highest ranked, non -funded project submitted by the County in 1994. Given its relatively low projected cost, this project could be funded by the allocation of enhancement funds for the next funding cycle. The City of Vero Beach also supports this project, and feels that it is a needed addition to the county sidewalk and bikepath network. The sidewalks and bikepaths included in this project -do not, however, provide facilities that. areranked as priorities by the School District. The South County Recreation Network would provide sidewalks and bikepaths to two of the most needed school areas. Some of the segments listed on this application are already being completed by 5.8 JUNE 279 1995 BOOK 95 PAGE nn