Punta Gorda council directs staff to pursue FDOT design grant for South Fork Alligator Creek pedestrian bridge

A majority of the Punta Gorda City Council on Jan. 14 directed staff to pursue a Florida Department of Transportation design grant to create plans for a pedestrian and bicycle bridge over the South Fork of Alligator Creek.

Grants coordinator Rick Lehi told the council FDOT has approximately $821,000 available for design only and that there is no local match required. "If we don't move forward with it, then money goes away," he said, urging the city to secure the design so the project remains viable for future construction funding.

The council debated likely staff time and the risk of cost escalation. Council members asked whether the city’s engineering staff could manage the procurement and oversight without diverting attention from hurricane repairs. Lehi said the consultant selected for the design would handle most of the work and that staff supervision could be provided by urban design rather than public works.

Council members also noted the longer-term funding uncertainties for construction, including possible applications to Transportation Alternatives and the state Sun Trails program. "There’s no guarantee that you’re going to get funding on the back end," a councilor said, but MPO staff and FDOT representatives urged that having an approved design improves the city’s chances for subsequent construction dollars.

In their direction to staff, council required that the grant move forward only if it imposes no immediate city construction cost and does not unduly burden public‑works staff. Staff will continue coordination with FDOT and the MPO, prepare bid documents for design services, and return to council as needed.

Next steps: staff will proceed with the FDOT design agreement and pursue construction funding opportunities if the design is completed and additional grants become available.