Crestview approves FDOT-backed sidewalk project; city contribution set as contingency

The Crestview City Council voted 5-0 on Sept. 22 to approve an intergovernmental agreement with Okaloosa County that will fund construction of more than 4,000 linear feet of ADA-accessible sidewalks within the city.

City staff said the project is primarily funded through a Florida Department of Transportation grant. The city—s share will come from remaining funds allocated to an earlier PJ Adams project; the city currently has $88,000 allocated as a contingency for the project, staff said. Councilmembers asked what would happen if actual costs exceed that contingency; staff said they would return to council for additional funding if the city—s share proved greater than the current balance.

Project segments include: the east side of Industrial Drive from Steelwell to Highway 90; the north side of Long Drive from the recently constructed sidewalk east of MacArthur Street to Bracken Street; and the north side of Commerce Drive from Industrial Drive to the end of Commerce Drive, plus a connection to the library. Staff said all sidewalks will be located in existing right of way.

"We're talking about over 4,000 linear feet of sidewalks being added in our town," a staff presenter said. The council was told the project was originally started in 2019 and that state grant timelines and county partnership were necessary to complete the work.

A councilmember asked about adding sidewalks on Valley Road and Tubewalker; staff noted Valley Road is a county road and said the city will pursue those needs with the county.

The motion to approve the agreement passed unanimously, 5-0. Staff will coordinate with county partners on final scopes and report back if additional city funding is required.