Polk County accepts $2.0 million in FDOT funds to design Old Dixie Trail segment linking Auburndale and Haines City

Polk County commissioners approved a Local Agency Program (LAP) agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation to secure $2,000,335 in state funds for design and engineering of a 12.8-mile multi-use paved trail along Old Dixie Trail, connecting the Auburndale and Haines City trail segments and closing a gap in the SunTrail network.

County staff said the trail will be 10-to-12 feet wide, ADA-compliant, and will link the TECO Auburndale Van Fleet trails to the Haines City trailhead. FDOT is nearing completion of the project's PD&E (Project Development & Environment) phase; Polk County will procure the professional design and engineering services over the next four to five months.

Staff noted FDOT's participation for design may increase or decrease depending on final construction bids; Polk County agreed to bear expenses beyond FDOT participation and cover deficits should FDOT not fund the full project. Upon board approval, staff will establish the project budget in the county special revenue grant fund under the roads and drainage community investment program.

Commissioners approved the agreement by motion and voice vote; the chair stated "motion carries." No roll-call tally was read into the public remarks.

Ending: Staff described the vote as establishing the design phase budget and initiating procurement for design services; construction funding and schedule will follow later steps and are subject to FDOT decisions and future board approvals.