Commissioners include $3.5 million request for French Drive bridge replacement, plus resurfacing and other road projects

Commissioner Larry and the county's highway staff outlined major transportation requests in the draft budget, with a highlighted proposal of $3.5 million for French Drive that would fund Bridge 77 replacement (rehab and reuse of a historically designated pony truss) and resurfacing between State Road 63 and U.S. 41.

Larry said the French Drive package includes roughly $3 million for the bridge work and about $500,000 for corridor resurfacing; federal requirements for historically significant structures mean the old bridge may be removed, rehabilitated and reused elsewhere as part of the project. The presenters discussed seeking community crossings or federal aid to reduce the local share and noted competing priorities in the federal aid pipeline have delayed the project for years.

Officials also discussed a $500,000 request for the next phase of Clinton Road (design and set aside for inspection services and right-of-way) and recurring requests for recreational trails and matching funds tied to potential grants. Highway Director described the MS4/stormwater cost increase tied to updated regional permit work and said engineering and contract costs are driving some of the line'item growth.

Commissioners and staff flagged timing risks: federal funding scheduling, community crossings match changes, and the state fuel tax or tax-holiday effects on local revenue. No action or vote was taken at the session; staff indicated further budget work and grant-application planning will continue before formal appropriations are adopted.