MARCO ISLAND — Although states are spending federal stimulus money on other projects instead of fixing unsafe bridges, the plan to expand Marco Island’s Judge S.S. Jolley Bridge is still on track to receive money.
Florida Department of Transportation officials said Friday that nothing has changed on the project’s plan to put the $28.3 million expansion of Marco Island’s Judge S.S. Jolley Bridge out to bid.
Plans call for the Jolley bridge project to go out to bid on Sept. 3.
Originally, the plan was to tear down the existing bridge and build two new spans, each having two lanes, at a cost of about $55 million.
To reduce the cost, officials opted to do half the project by building one two-lane span next to the current one, which will remain in place.
The project qualified for stimulus money because it was “shovel-ready,” meaning all the pieces were in place for construction to start except for funding.
“As far as I know from the FDOT, the Jolley Bridge is on schedule,” Marco Island City Council Chairman William Trotter said.
Of the 2,476 bridges in states scheduled to receive stimulus money so far, nearly half have passed inspections with high marks, according to federal data.
Those 1,123 sound bridges received such high inspection ratings they normally wouldn’t qualify for federal bridge money, yet they will share in more than $1.2 billion in stimulus money.
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Comments » 6
MrBreeze writes:
This bridge will FOREVER change Marco Island. One question, What happens when in the future the State of Florida opts to SELL the bridge to a private owner like Alligator Alley was put up for sale. Then watch out Marco Island we will see the toll booths and your "free" bridge will not be so free anymore. Has any elected official asked that question to protect the residents of Marco Island?
jwputnam writes:
The bridge is not a "free" bridge. Only the irresponsible consider it to be "free". It is a HUGE red flag. It is the reason that we are sliding down the path to socialism. Let others pay for our wish list.
Our citizens should be ashamed of Trotter and Minozzi. THEY are the problem, but WE have lost our collective senses. We are going to pay a HUGE price for our lack of conviction and prudence.
John Putnam
GBR writes:
It is my understanding that the reason the bridge was "shovel ready", is because it needs upgradeing. Also, didn't the state say they didn't have the funds for the repairs? Weren't people complaining that the bridge needed fixed, now?
There's just no pleaseing some people!
;-)
MrBreeze writes:
John Putnam you have it right. GBR again, not a clue. The bridge sir for your information needed a coating being paint or epoxy to halt rusting and corrosion that the salt water has been causing. That did not mean that the structure was bad. At first they told us the bridge needed to come down and be replaced but now with the "free" money it is ok to stay with a paint job. People that do not think believe that spending money will make things better. This bridge is just the beginning of making the island more expensive to live on and pack your bags if you are not of that financial caliber. Remember nothing comes for free.
lauralbi1 writes:
John: With the utmost respect, I happen to agree with you regarding the "No such thing as a free lunch" concept. But I totally disagree with you about blaming Mr. Trotter and Mr. Minozzi. They are not responsible for the Obama boondoggle. They are responsible for prudent political efforts to bring attention to a bridge that was going to need major repair in the forseeable future. Their efforts should be applauded, and nothing else. The fact that Florida's Stimulus Money is being used for a major portion of the cost merely spreads the cost out to the Federal level instead of Toll, City, County or State funds. We, as taxpayers, will be paying dearly for the Stimulus for generations to come. Can't wait to see what Heath Care is going to cost me in taxes.
Ed Issler
jwputnam writes:
Mr. Issler: The concentration camp guards were only following orders.
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