Transportation & Infrastructure
Key Bridges
Manatee County supports the expeditious replacement of the bridges leading to Anna Maria Island; via Cortez Road, Manatee Avenue and Longboat Pass as well as the expansion of the Fort Hamer Bridge.
DeSoto Bridge Replacement
Manatee County supports the State's Bradenton-Palmetto Connector PD&E and requests consideration be given to all capacity alternatives identified in the Central Manatee Network Alternatives Analysis that will facilitate improved mobility over the Manatee River. The DeSoto Bridge replacement is a top priority for multiple organizations since the project will facilitate improved north/south capacity on the U.S. 41 corridor.
Palmetto Trails Connectivity and Mobility Project
Manatee County requests support in state funds for the design of a bicycle/pedestrian bridge over the 4 lane U.S. 41 roadway at 17th Street East in Palmetto. The pedestrian crossing at US 41 and 17th street at Lincoln Park has been identified in the Palmetto Trails study as an intersection requiring improvements for both traffic movement and pedestrian safety. The proposed pedestrian overpass at this intersection represents the needed pedestrian safety measures to complement the Palmetto Trails Mobility study recommendations as well as providing access to a community park, splash park. Pool, soccer fields, football, and basketball courts.
Broadband
Manatee County supports measures that increase broadband accessibility including encouraging private investment in the deployment of infrastructure in rural and underserved areas.
Affordable Housing
Manatee County is experiencing a major shortage of affordable housing options. As our population continues to grow, it is imperative that the state use the statutorily dedicated funds for actual housing needs and to increase the number of affordable housing units. Business leaders point to the shortage of workforce housing stock asa significant reason they have trouble attracting and retaining talent. Manatee County supports allocating the full amount of dedicated documentary tax revenues to fund the State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) Trust Fund as well as the Sadowski Housing Trust Fund and its distribution to local governments for affordable housing activities.
Environmental
Oyster & Clam Restoration for Water Quality
Manatee County requests $950,000 in state assistance for an oyster and clam research and restoration pilot project in the coastal waters of Manatee County. The pilot project will quantify the roles of oysters and clams in improving water quality, and their ability to control blue green algae and red tide bloom intensity in Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay.
Green Bridge Fishing Pier
Manatee County requests $1 million in state funding for the design and planning for demolition of the Green Bridge Fishing Pier. The pier has been closed to vehicular traffic for years but it has become a popular fishing spot for many locals. The pier which extends into the Manatee River, would be replaced with a new wooden fishing pier. The project will transfer a structurally deficient bridge into an artificial reef offshore.
Anna Maria Island Beach Erosion Control
Manatee County requests $2.3 million for construction and monitoring.