Other Agencies and Organizations, HDR Engineering, Inc. - PENSACOLA

 

OTHER AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS

HDR ENGINEERING, INC. - PENSACOLA

Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)

Public Notice

State Road 4 Blackwater River / Cotton Bridge Replacement Okaloosa County

FDOT Project Number: 432828-1-22-01

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is proposing to replace Cotton Bridge (Bridge No. 570033) on State Road 4 over Blackwater River in the Blackwater River State Forest, Okaloosa County, Florida. The project is currently funded for construction in Fiscal Year 2019.

Additional right-of-way (0.595 acres) will be acquired from Blackwater River State Forest to shift the current alignment, eliminating the need for a road closure or an onsite diversion during construction. This decreases the total construction time and improves overall safety for the traveling public and construction personnel. 

FDOT has determined there will be no adverse recreational effect to the Blackwater River Paddling Trail or the Cotton Bridge Park. FDOT is seeking additional public input regarding the potential impact to recreation in the Blackwater River State Forest at the project location due to the additional right-of-way acquisition.

Persons wishing to provide input regarding the potential impact to recreation in the Blackwater River State Forest due to the additional right-of-way acquisition at the project location may submit comments to Joy Swanson Pleas, FDOT Environmental Manager, 1074 Highway 90, Chipley, FL 32428; [phone]; or via email at [e-mail].

All exhibits or statements must be postmarked on or before Friday, August 3, 2018.

Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. For questions or concerns contact Alicia Brininger, District Three Title VI Coordinator, 1074 Highway 90, Chipley, FL 32428, toll-free at 1(888)638-0250, extension 1502 or via email at [e-mail].

Federal regulations require public notice and opportunity to comment on the potential recreational impacts of the project for resources protected under Section 4(f) of the U.S. Department of Transportation Act. After reviewing all public comment, and in coordination with the Official with Jurisdiction at the Florida Forest Service, FDOT anticipates issuance of a de minims impact finding consistent with 23 CFR 774.3(b), and 774.5 (b)(2)(ii), regarding the recreation impact to the Blackwater River State Forest.