5/20/1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Not only was this alternative unacceptable to the Historical Society, the co -applicant for the project, but it was also unacceptable to SHPO. Consequently, that alterative was discarded. Recently, FDOT notified the County that the Jungle Trail enhancement project was programmed for construction in fiscal year 98-99. According to FDOT, the Jungle Trail application would need to be revised to reflect activities that could be done, or the enhancement funds would be withdrawn from the project. FDOT, however, did indicate that, if the County could not revise the application to use all of the enhancement funds programmed for Jungle Trail, then the County could use the balance of the Jungle Trail fiords for other approvable enhancement projects in the County. In mid-April, County Commissioner Fran Adams, Historical Society representative Ruth Stanbridge, county planning staff, and county public works staff met with FDOT representatives to identify acceptable enhancement activities which could be incorporated in a revised Jungle Trail application. Several activities were identified. These were: • Provision of pedestrian facilities Three publicly owned sites along Jungle Trail will be improved with paved parking and restroom facilities to enhance access to Jungle Trail scenic and historic sites for pedestrians. The three sites are the Cairns property, the Old Bridgetenders site, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (USFWS's) Surman Tract. • Archeological_ Planning and Research A qualified archeologist will be retained to undertake a literature search and pedestrian survey to identify the location, extent, and significance of archeological sites (primarily shell middens) on publicly owned sites along Jungle Trail. The purpose of the archeological work will be to establish a Jungle Trail archeological district. • Historic Road Signage A series of signs identifying Jungle Trail as an historic road will be designed, constructed, and installed along the Trail. Subsequent to that meeting, planning staff revised the Jungle Trail enhancement project application to reflect these new activities. A copy of the revised application is attached. • Cost Staff estimates that the cost of the project, as revised, will be $460,000. Most of this amount is programmed for the proposed parking lot and restroom improvements. If approved by FDOT, the project will be managed by FDOT, with FDOT responsible for selection of consultants and contractors, design of the improvements, and construction. County staff will have a coordinating role. As approved, the Jungle Trail enhancement project had a budget of approximately $2.8 million. While some of those funds were used for consultant work related to the original application, a significant amount remains. Since the proposed revised Jungle Trail enhancement project is estimated to cost only $460,000, there will probably be at least $1 million remaining from the amount programmed for Jungle Trail. Because FDOT has indicated that unused Jungle Trail enhancement fiords may be used for other acceptable enhancement projects in the County, staff has identified several other possible projects. These are as follows: • Roseland Bikepath* $134,160 • Royal Paha Pointe Project $520,000 • Fellsmere Road (CR512) Bikepath* $183,750 *described in separate staff report - In identifying alternative projects, several factors were considered. First, it was necessary that adequate right -off -way be in place for any proposed project. This criterion eliminated a number of possible projects. Second, the project must not have major design problems. Finally, the project must have community support. • ftiect Revision As the applicant and project sponsor for the Jungle Trail enhancement project, the Board of County Commissioners is responsible for the scope of the project. As such, the Board may revise the focus of the application. Any major revision to the application, however, must be approved by the MPO prior to acceptance by FDOT. MAY 20, 1997 65 1 BOOK 101 PAGE 53U