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Commission told to approve budget amendment to cover Sunny Isles Beach share of Atlantic Isle Bridge rebuild
Summary
FDOT requires the city to commit an additional $693,354 so design work can proceed on a full rebuild of the historic Atlantic Isle Bridge; staff will advance CIP funds and present a budget amendment at the next commission meeting.
City engineering staff and the city manager updated the commission on the Atlantic Isle Bridge project and asked the commission to advance funds so the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) can proceed with design.
Staff said the city previously entered a cost-share agreement with FDOT in February 2018 requiring a 25 percent city contribution. That earlier commitment included a payment of $1,023,409, paid April 2024, and FDOT now requires the city to commit an additional $693,354 (the city's 25 percent share of updated project costs) before moving forward with design work.
Staff explained the alternatives and costs: if the city does not commit to the FDOT rebuild, FDOT can convert the structure to pedestrian-only use and the city would then be responsible for creating cul-de-sacs and other traffic changes at both bridge ends, which staff estimated could approach or exceed the city's current share. FDOT and the city's historic-preservation board have reviewed conceptual plans and FDOT has committed to retaining historic-looking elements on the rebuilt span.
Budget mechanics and next steps: staff said the city had budgeted $500,000 in the CIP for FY27 to cover price increases and that to meet FDOT's timing the commission would need to advance that appropriation into the current fiscal year and allocate an additional $193,354. The city manager told commissioners they would see a budget amendment on the next commission agenda to advance the CIP funds and add the additional amount.
Commissioners asked about start dates, alternatives, and whether grants might be available given the bridge's historic character; staff said FDOT has the project in its five-year plan but no firm start date yet and staff would research potential grant opportunities.
Ending: commissioners directed staff to return the budget amendment and supporting materials at the next meeting; no final contract or vote on construction was taken at the Sept. 18 discussion.
