Resolution 129-2011RESOLUTION NO. 129 -2011
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY,
FLORIDA, REQUESTING FLORIDA DEPARTMENT
OF TRANSPORTATION WORK WITH STAFF TO
DEVELOP A COST EFFECTIVE DESIGN
ALTERNATIVE FOR BRIDGE UPGRADES THAT
WILL ALLOW THE OLD SEVEN MILE BRIDGE TO
REMAIN OPEN FOR PUBLIC USE AND
PARTICIPATE IN A MULTI - AGENCY
PARTNERSHIP EFFORT FACILITATED BY
MONROE COUNTY TO SAVE THE OLD SEVEN
MILE BRIDGE.
WHEREAS, the Pigeon Key Historic District and the Old Seven Mile Bridge (the
Bridge) in Monroe County, Florida, are each listed in the National Register of Historic Places;
and
WHEREAS The Old Seven Mile Bridge is considered significant in the areas of
Transportation and Engineering based on associations with the Florida East Coast Railway and
the Overseas Highway and as a structure of innovative engineering and the Pigeon Key Historic
District is considered significant in the areas of Architecture and Transportation based on
associations with the Florida East Coast Railway and the Overseas Highway as a worker's camp.
It is also the only collection of vernacular architecture of its type remaining intact in the state; and
WHEREAS, the island of Pigeon Key and the Bridge are also designated as historically
significant by Monroe County, Florida; and
WHEREAS, 2012 is the 100 year anniversary of the completion of the Florida East
Coast Railway in the Florida Keys; and
WHEREAS, the Bridge provides the only land access between Knights Key and Pigeon
Key, in Monroe County, Florida; and
WHEREAS, the Bridge is considered a "linear park" and walkers, joggers, skaters, and
cyclists made 101,480 trips to the bridge in 2010; and
WHERAS, the Old Seven Mile Bridge is a key component of the Florida Keys Overseas
Heritage Trail Master plan which was done in partnership by the FDOT, Monroe County,
National Park Service, and Rails to Trails Conservancy; and,
WHEREAS, Florida Department of Transportation is considering closing the Bridge to
all users due to its severely deteriorated and unsafe condition; and
WHEREAS, Monroe County, in partnership with other state federal and local agencies
and nonprofit groups, desires to repair the Bridge to restore safe access from Knights Key to
Pigeon, Key, and to preserve the Bridge and Pigeon Key as historic, recreational, and cultural
resources; and
WHEREAS, FDOT has dedicated time, personnel and financial resources to evaluate the
potential to upgrade the existing old Seven Mile Bridge;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of
Monroe County, Florida, that The Board of County Commissioners requests that:
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1) FDOT work with staff to develop a cost effective design alternative and cost estimate for
bridge upgrades that will allow the Old Seven Mile Bridge to remain open for public use;
and
2) FDOT allocate resources to participate in a multi - agency partnership effort facilitated by
Monroe County to save the Old Seven Mile Bridge for use as an alternative transportation
facility to Pigeon Key and establishment of a world class bicycle /pedestrian facility.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County,
Florida at a regular meeting of said board on the 20th day of April, A.D., 2011.
)LHAGE, Clerk
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Deputy Clerk
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Mayor Heather Carruthers
Mayor Pro Tern David Rice
Commissioner Kim Wigington
Commissioner George Neugent
Syliva Murphy
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Yes
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