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Fort Lauderdale accepts $3 million FDOT grant for Breakers Avenue resiliency; $2.8M gap remains pending surtax funds
Summary
The commission approved a $3 million Florida Department of Transportation grant for Breakers Avenue resiliency and pedestrian improvements. City staff said the project currently has about $8.4 million available and an approximately $2.8 million funding gap; Broward County surtax amendments could provide roughly $3.5M–$4M if approved.
The Fort Lauderdale City Commission on May 6 approved acceptance of a $3,000,000 grant from the Florida Department of Transportation for Breakers Avenue resiliency and pedestrian traffic improvements.
The resolution passed unanimously.
City staff and commissioners discussed remaining funding for the project and scheduling for final design.
Project funding status and timeline
Acting Transportation and Mobility Director Milos Mestorevic told commissioners the project currently has “about $8,400,000” available and that the funding gap is “about 2.8 [million], not including any construction cost escalation.” He said design is moving from 90% to 100% and that final costs will be known within a couple of months.
Commissioner Steve Glassman summarized earlier commitments on the project during the meeting: “The city put in $5,000,000. The state's putting in $3. The federal government put in 1.” Mestorevic and staff clarified the current accounting and said they are pursuing multiple funding sources to close the gap.
County surtax amendment could close gap
Staff said one funding path is Broward County’s surtax third amendment. If the amendment and participating‑city approvals proceed, the city’s share could be roughly in the $3.5 million to $4.0 million range on the first distribution, staff said. County and municipal approvals are required; staff said the county’s objective is to finalize agreements this summer so funding can begin to flow by year‑end.
Design progress and next steps
Mestorevic said the city is advancing final design and expects to reach 100% design in about two months; at that point staff will have exact final costs and will continue to pursue surtax and other sources to close the gap.
Provenance
Grant acceptance and vote: FDOT grant resolution discussion and vote (transcript block s=4985.855 to s=5028.639). Milos Mestorevic funding comments (transcript block s=5094.77 to s=5213.245).
