Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
May 23, 2018 10:00 a.m.
On behalf of the North Florida Transportation Planning Organization (TPO), Wanda Forrest briefed the Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC) on May 15 2018 regarding projects planned and programmed for the city during the period 2018-2023. The TPO plan is developed annually and provides short-range transportation planning for Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns counties and their municipalities. A series of public meetings were held in cities and counties throughout the region before the final draft plan was compiled.
Forrest advised commissioners that there is a public meeting scheduled for May 23, 2018 from 4-5:30 pm at the North Florida TPO office on 980 Jefferson Street in Jacksonville, to consider adopting the entire plan which covers all counties and municipalities in the region.
Her presentation highlighted the plans for four projects underway or proposed for the City of Fernandina Beach:
—Repaving of SR200/A1A/8thStreet from the Shave Bridge to Centre Street has been funded at a cost of about $5M for the current fiscal year.
–Installing sidewalks on Citrona Drive from Hickory to Beech Streets.This project is slated for FY2022-23 at a total cost of $275K.
–Amelia Island Parkway Trail from SR A1A to Via Del Rey.Construction is slated for 2023. Current cost estimate: $165K.
–Amelia Island Parkway Trail – Bike Path/Trail.The design phase is slated for 2020. Cost: $275K.
In response to a request from City Manager Dale Martin, Forrest explained that work is currently underway to locate an electric vehicle charging station in the downtown area. TPO will fund 80 such stations throughout the four-county area. She anticipates a ribbon cutting for the Fernandina station, which will probably be located behind the library building, sometime this summer.
Forrest was unable to respond to questions regarding operational aspects of the resurfacing of 8thStreet. She said she would pass those questions and concerns along to FDOT for response.
Editor’s Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne’s many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.