Longer term Skyway piers future.... update 6.7.18
Jun 7, 2018 8:27:45 GMT -5
Mackerelman and YeehaZing like this
Post by seabird on Jun 7, 2018 8:27:45 GMT -5
Several months ago, I wrote to several State lawmakers in our area about the longer term future of the Skyway piers and expressing the our desires to maintain it as a long term fishing area and State park. Back in February 2018, a couple of them emailed me back and said there would be more news later.
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote again and asked if there was any more progress. Here is the text of a reply from one of the State legislative offices I got a couple of days ago. I view the reply as very positive. I think you all will agree.
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Below is information I received regarding the continued maintenance for the Skyway Pier provided via FDOT. I believe this information answers your questions regarding the future of the pier. If you have any further questions or comments, please let me know.
The Florida Department of Transportation (Department) retained ownership of the pier structures when the new Skyway Bridge opened in 1987. In 1994, the Department entered into a 20-year lease with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to operate the structures as state park fishing piers. In 2013, the Department and DEP agreed to a new 10-year lease (through 2024). Under the 2013 agreement, DEP transfers all excess revenues received from the pier concessionaire to support the maintenance costs.
The Department continues to address maintenance issues as part of the 2024 lease agreement. These include a $5.35 million major repair project that was completed in November 2017. The project scope included repairs to the decks, railings, beams, bearings, pile caps, and pilings. The concrete pier structures also received repairs as a part of the project. The Department has also tentatively scheduled an additional $4.5 million project to make additional structural repairs. The project is planned to begin construction in October 2019.
Have a great day!
Shayra Rosario
District Secretary to Larry Ahern
Florida State Representative of District 66
8383 Seminole Boulevard, Suite B- Seminole, FL 33772
Office Number: (727) 395-2512
Shayra.Rosario@myfloridahouse.gov
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote again and asked if there was any more progress. Here is the text of a reply from one of the State legislative offices I got a couple of days ago. I view the reply as very positive. I think you all will agree.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Below is information I received regarding the continued maintenance for the Skyway Pier provided via FDOT. I believe this information answers your questions regarding the future of the pier. If you have any further questions or comments, please let me know.
The Florida Department of Transportation (Department) retained ownership of the pier structures when the new Skyway Bridge opened in 1987. In 1994, the Department entered into a 20-year lease with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to operate the structures as state park fishing piers. In 2013, the Department and DEP agreed to a new 10-year lease (through 2024). Under the 2013 agreement, DEP transfers all excess revenues received from the pier concessionaire to support the maintenance costs.
The Department continues to address maintenance issues as part of the 2024 lease agreement. These include a $5.35 million major repair project that was completed in November 2017. The project scope included repairs to the decks, railings, beams, bearings, pile caps, and pilings. The concrete pier structures also received repairs as a part of the project. The Department has also tentatively scheduled an additional $4.5 million project to make additional structural repairs. The project is planned to begin construction in October 2019.
Have a great day!
Shayra Rosario
District Secretary to Larry Ahern
Florida State Representative of District 66
8383 Seminole Boulevard, Suite B- Seminole, FL 33772
Office Number: (727) 395-2512
Shayra.Rosario@myfloridahouse.gov