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County manager outlines nearly 20 bridge projects, FEMA and FDOT funding plans
Summary
Assistant county manager presented a multi-year bridges report that listed ongoing bridge replacement projects, FEMA and FDOT funding streams, federal grant applications and a FEMA‑obligated ITB with a base bid of about $437,213.
Assistant county manager Christopher Semphron told commissioners Hardee County maintains nearly 70 bridges and outlined 16 short‑term priorities and a longer bridge replacement program funded by FDOT and federal sources.
Major projects and timelines: Semphron said the North Allentown Bridge deck was poured April 25 in a monolithic pour and the Commerce Park‑adjacent building is expected to be completed near the end of 2025. He listed the Polk County line road replacement (FDOT partnership) with scheduled opening Oct. 6, 2025; the County Road 664 bridge replacement (approx. $2.8 million) scheduled to finish Dec. 18, 2025; and multiple FEMA/FDOT‑funded bridges including Center Hill (approx. $1.8 million) and a previously completed College Hill project.
Maintenance and repair: the presentation cited heavy corrosion at Gryphon Bridge Road (up to 60% section loss at some piles) with an in‑house repair option using pile jackets estimated by the structural engineer at roughly $250,000; Semphron said FEMA reimbursement is not available for that work and that it will be included in the FY2026 budget. He said the Airport Bridge showed soil‑stabilization damage after Hurricane Milton and will be part of damage‑inspection/funding discussions with FEMA.
Funding applications and competitive funding: Semphron said the county will apply to the FHWA Bridge Investment Program and FDOT local bridge programs; he warned replacement candidates will compete statewide. He reported an FDOT resiliency project to elevate US 17 over Charlie Creek with a project cost of about $14.1 million and a letting date projected for summer 2027.
FEMA‑obligated ITB: the county opened an ITB for eight FEMA‑obligated repair projects (embankment washouts and maintenance) with a base bid of $437,212.83; Semphron said the board will receive the bid results at the June 19 board meeting and noted a need to request time extensions because wet season weather may slow work.
Commissioner discussion: commissioners thanked staff for progress but pressed for faster bid advertisement and asked about the status of specific bridges, including Dansby Road and Sweetwater. Semphron said some repairs are being handled in house and some require specialized contracts such as chemical grouting for soil stabilization.
Next steps: Semphron said he will continue coordinating with FEMA, FDOT and state resiliency programs and will present the ITB bid results to the board for action.
