ADD-ON LEGISLATIVE ACTION ITEM
SPONSOR: City Council President Jared Moore
SUBJECT:
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COUNCIL SUPPORT FOR CONTINUED SUSPENSION OF THE GARCON POINT BRIDGE TOLL.
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RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
That City Council authorize the Council President to sign a letter to Governor DeSantis on behalf of the City Council supporting a continued suspension of the Garcon Point Bridge Toll, until such time that the General Daniel “Chappie” James Bridge (Pensacola Bay Bridge or Three-Mile Bridge) repair is complete and once again fully open to traffic.
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HEARING REQUIRED: No Hearing Required
SUMMARY:
In September of 2020, as a result of Hurricane Sally, the Pensacola area experienced unforeseen damage to the General Daniel “Chappie” James Bridge.
Due to the damage and required closing of the bridge, many of our citizens were forced to find alternate routes around the bridge closure, one of the preferred routes is across the Garcon Point Bridge.
The Garcon Point Bridge is a crucial connector between Escambia and Santa Rosa County. The toll suspension on the Garcon Point Bridge has allowed east/west traffic to flow more easily and provides a means of travel between Pensacola and Gulf Breeze which is vital for citizens in our area. For many it is the only option, and the toll suspension has been invaluable to our citizens. Easing the burden of the toll has allowed our citizens the ability to continue to commute without the additional financial impact of the tolls.
At the April 14, 2021 TPO meeting, the TPO voted to request consideration in extending the suspension of the toll until the General Daniel “Chappie” James Bridge repair is complete and fully open. The TPO has requested similar letters of support for this action be sent to the Governor.
This item is a request for City Council to authorize the Council President to sign such a letter on behalf of City Council, which will be sent to the Governor on behalf of the City of Pensacola.
PRIOR ACTION:
April 14, 2021 - Florida-Alabama Transportation Planning Organization voted to request consideration in extending the temporary suspension of tolls until the General Daniel “Chappie” James Bridge repair is complete and fully open to traffic.
FUNDING:
N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None
STAFF CONTACT:
Don Kraher, Council Executive
ATTACHMENTS:
None
PRESENTATION: No