Polk County approves $3.25M amendment to Powerline Road northern extension project

The Polk County Board of County Commissioners on Sept. 16 approved a second amendment to the Powerline Road Northern Extension Phase 1 infrastructure agreement, adding a not-to-exceed $3,250,490 commitment to complete remaining roadway work.

Mr. Beasley, representing the manager's office, told commissioners the March 2023 agreement with the developer had originally been for $10,805,447 to extend Powerline Road about 1.2 miles to State Highway 1792 as a four-lane divided facility. Subsequent competitive bid results, field conflicts, unsuitable soils and additional Florida Department of Transportation-required intersection improvements — including an added turn lane, drainage upgrades and utility relocations — increased construction needs.

The proposed amendment allocates $2,889,324 for field construction and limited engineering support plus $361,166 for project contingency, for a total not to exceed $3,250,490. County funding will be available beginning Oct. 1, 2025, in the form of cash reimbursements for 75% of anticipated cost and impact fee credits for 25% of anticipated cost, Mr. Beasley said. He noted the cash reimbursements will come from the adopted Roads and Drainage Community Investment Program budget specific to the developer agreement account.

The board approved the amendment by voice vote; the transcript records the motion and the chair calling for “Aye,” with “Motion carries,” but does not include a roll-call tally in the record.

The amendment language authorized the county to increase the prior agreement’s commitment to complete remaining road work; it does not itself describe construction start dates or sequencing beyond the contingency and funding structure discussed at the hearing.