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County Administrator's Report 13. 21.
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| BCC Regular Meeting |
Budget & Finance Consent |
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| RECOMMENDATION: |
Recommendation Concerning the Memorandum of Agreement Between the Federal Highway Administration, Florida Department of Transportation, and Escambia County, Florida Regarding the Quietwater Beach Ferry Landing Site - Joy D. Blackmon, P.E., Public Works Department Director
That the Board approve and authorize the Chairman to sign the Federal Lands Access Program Project Memorandum of Agreement between the Federal Highway Administration, the Florida Department of Transportation, and Escambia County, Florida, to establish a management relationship between the County and the National Park Service, Gulf Islands National Seashore, regarding the use of the ferry dock at the Quietwater Beach Boardwalk.
[Funding: Fund 175; Transportation Trust Fund] |
| BACKGROUND: |
This Agreement documents the intent of the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners, the Federal Highway Administration-Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division and the Florida Department of Transportation and sets forth the anticipated responsibilities of each party in the development, construction, and future maintenance of the subject project. The purpose of the Agreement is to identify and assign responsibilities for the environmental analysis, design, right-of-way, utilities, acquisition and construction as appropriate for this programmed project, and to ensure maintenance of the facility for public use if improvements are made.
The National Parks Service (NPS) Passenger Ferry Service with access to Fort Pickens has been proposed since 1978 and continues to be part of the General Management Plan for Gulf Islands National Seashore. Currently, visitors using an automobile to travel to Santa Rosa Island and Pensacola Beach from Pensacola must travel approximately 8 miles over two highly-traveled bridges and through the community of Gulf Breeze, and a total of 17 miles to Fort Pickens; as such, congestion is a common occurrence.
The proposed ferry service routes will follow a loop from downtown Pensacola to Fort Pickens to Pensacola Beach (Quietwater Pier) and back to downtown Pensacola with departures in opposite directions. The loop service scenario provides riders with a balance between serving multiple locations at reasonable time intervals and minimizing travel time by offering direct service between any two destinations within the system.
The County has successfully secured Federal Land Access Program (FLAP) grant funding in 2015, co-sponsored with the NPS, to master plan facilities and construct Phase 1 facilities necessary to provide passenger services and loading/unloading for NPS concessioner operated ferry vessels during ferry service operations. The awarded grant amount is $979,439.00.
The project consists of the Phase 1 construction of a fixed ferry dock, approximately 16 feet by 80 feet. The new ferry dock will be built beyond the existing pier and T-dock. The purpose of the dock is to accommodate ferry passenger loading and off loading safely and provide a dedicated tie-off for the ferry distinct from the public T-dock area. A controlled access (dock gate) and a decking system similar to the existing pier with edge protection will be part of the improvements to meet accessibility standards, and reduce resource impacts. Additional pole lighting will be added to the dock for pedestrian safety. To meet accessibility standards, the existing access ramp will be replaced with a wider ramp using composite wood for durability. A ticketing kiosk and sun shelter with informational signs and brochures will be placed at a centrally located area.
County staff will continue to pursue FLAP and other funding sources for the design and construction of all the phases. Phase II Widen existing Pier – Cost estimate $873,625: The existing pier is 8 to 9 feet wide by approximately 350 feet with a composite decking and grate surface (center portion of dock is open grating). Improvements include widening of existing walking surface to an overall width of 16 feet wide over the length of the existing pier. A composite decking and grate system, with edge protection is needed for access safety and reduced resource impacts. Additional pole lighting will be added to the pier for pedestrian safety. Phase III Shaded Passenger Queuing Area– Cost estimate $1,450,000: A “palapa” style shade shelter located over the amphitheater area to provide a protected passenger queuing area with direct view to the pier and ferry landing is part of the current design concept. In addition to the shade structure, potential upgrades including resurfacing the amphitheater rails and benches with composite decking for durability is a consideration. Shade and queuing for approximately 70 to 100 passengers during peak use is expected.
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| BUDGETARY IMPACT: |
| A supplemental budget amendment will be prepared by the Office of Management and Budget to recognize the funding for this project. |
| LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS/SIGN-OFF: |
| Kristin Hual, Assistant County Attorney, has reviewed and signed off on the Agreement. |
| PERSONNEL: |
| No new personnel will be required. |
| POLICY/REQUIREMENT FOR BOARD ACTION: |
| N/A |
| IMPLEMENTATION/COORDINATION: |
| County staff will coordinate with FHWA, NPS, and FDOT staff during procurement of design and construction contracts. |
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