FDOT denies petition against new Cortez Bridge replacement. The battle isn’t over yet
A group of Cortez residents looking to overturn a proposal to build a 65-foot fixed span replacement of the Cortez Bridge didn’t receive the Christmas gift they were hoping for.
In a Dec. 10 final order, Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Kevin Thibault dismissed a petition filed by former Manatee County Commissioner Joe McClash’s that accused the state agency of several missteps, including a bias toward the taller alternative, an inaccurate traffic analysis and failure to comply with a federal memorandum of understanding.
“This is a disappointing decision but not unexpected,” McClash said Wednesday in an email to the Bradenton Herald.
“This ruling defies logic, and most of all, allows a state agency to dictate to our community the type of mega-bridge or other road projects without recourse provided by our state’s rules,” he added.
For years, residents have voiced concerns regarding how a taller bridge might affect the area. While FDOT points to the U.S. Coast Guard’s bridge height requirements and cost-savings to justify the decision, Cortez residents say it could ruin the character of the historic village.
FDOT declined to move forward with a 35-foot drawbridge replacement because it would cost $24 million more than the 65-foot bridge option, and according to a traffic report, wouldn’t provide sufficient traffic flow.
Funding for the new bridge has not been set aside by the state, and it’s unclear when construction would begin.
McClash says his group of petitioners may appeal FDOT’s final order decision within 30 days.
