SUBJECT
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Approve the Locally Funded Agreement and associated resolution between Polk County and the Florida Department of Transportation for the Ridge Scenic Highway (RSH) Connector Trail Project (FM# 452132-2-32-01). (no fiscal impact)
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DESCRIPTION
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has agreed to provide the City with a Local Agency Program (LAP) Grant fund in the amount of $907,810.00 for the RSH Connector Trail (FPN: 452132-1). This is agreement covers the design portion of the project. The state will provide $90,818 for design in FY 24, $808,992 for construction and $8,000 for Construction Engineering & Inspection in FY 26. The City of Lake Wales has distributed $281,547.88 to Polk County, which was received on July 29, 2024 and forwarded to FDOT. These funds are necessary to cover design and survey expenses above the FDOT’s design allocation of $90,818.
The proposed connector Trail is 0.55 miles long. The beginning of the trail will be on the north side of East Central Avenue at the existing parking lot and follow East Central Avenue to North 3rd Street, where it turns north. Along North 3rd Street, the trail will be on the west side to Park Avenue, where it will tie to the existing trail. The existing trail will remain between East Park Avenue and East Sessoms Avenue. It will then continue north on the west side of 3rd Avenue to East Seminole Avenue, where it turns west. It continues on the north side of Seminole Avenue to the northeast corner of East Seminole Avenue and North Scenic Highway, where the trail turns north and is located on the east side of North Scenic Highway. The trail terminus will connect to the existing Lake Wales Trailway and proposed trail head (by others) south of Kissimmee Avenue.
This Locally Funded Agreement is required since the City of Lake Wales is not LAP certified, and Polk County is LAP certified to manage this project. Therefore, Polk County will be acting as the FDOT’s project manager only through design and construction as required by the LAP agreement. However, the City will be responsible for any and all costs associated with this project that are in excess of the State provided funds.
RECOMMENDATION
Request the Board approve and execute the Locally Funded Agreement and associated resolution with the Florida Department of Transportation for the Ridge Scenic Highway Connector Trail Project.
FISCAL IMPACT
No fiscal impact.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Daren Carriere, P.E.
Transportation Project Engineer PE
Roads & Drainage / Project Management Section
(863) 535-2276
darencarriere@polk-county.net