Major road project to be completed in Oakland Park
From David Volz
Nine miles of roadways in Oakland Park will be improved this year thanks to $2.8 million in surtax funding. Voters of Broward County approved the “Penny for Transportation” one-cent surtax in 2018 to fund a 30-year Mobility Advancement Program to enhance transportation throughout the county.
The MAP Program awarded $2,875,440 of surtax funds to Oakland Park to repave approximately nine of the 21 miles of City-owned streets. The City Commission in January approved the budget amendment, giving staff the green light to move the project forward. The resurfacing project is part of a comprehensive effort to enhance major corridors, improving roadway appearance and functionality. Oakland Park has invested millions into roadway improvements throughout the City recently, including resurfacing and landscaping projects on Powerline Road, Prospect Road, NW 21st Avenue, Andrews Avenue, and Park Lane
Port Everglades completes study on shore power
From David Volz
Port Everglades recently completed a study to add shore power to the Port’s eight cruise terminals and has taken delivery of the final report. The study was performed by Moffatt & Nichol, a global infrastructure advisory firm working in cooperation with Florida Power & Light (FPL), Carnival Corporation, Disney Cruise Line, and the Royal Caribbean Group. This comprehensive analysis assessed the capacity of the existing electrical grid and identified the necessary infrastructure upgrades required to deliver shore power to the diverse cruise ships calling Port Everglades. The recommended plan is capable of delivering up to 16 megawatts of electricity simultaneously to each of the eight terminals in accordance with IEC/IEEE 80005 standards.
“Shore power, it’s a ‘shocking’ project because we have been exploring the possibilities of electrification since 2009 when we built Terminal 18 to homeport the largest cruise ships in the world,” said CEO and Port Director Jonathan Daniels. “This technology speaks to our core values of strength, resiliency and sustainability. We are ready to harness this alternative for the good of our partners and our community.”
To align with Broward County climate change goals, Port Everglades is advancing initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including installation of shore power infrastructure. Engine exhaust gases from cruise ships running on-board power plants while docked are contributors to air emissions. Shore power infrastructure enables ships to turn off their engines and connect to the local electric power grid. Full implementation of this shore power and electrification initiative is projected to eliminate 11,366 metric tons of CO2 while reducing NOx and SO2 emissions by 75% and 51%, respectively. This is equivalent to taking 2,470 cars off the road annually. The electricity will be generated by FPL using a variety of energy sources, including natural gas, nuclear, solar, and wind.
The estimated cost for the project, including the estimated cost of FPL supply and distribution system upgrades, is approximately $20 million per cruise terminal, for a total cost of $160 million. The project is expected to be financed through federal and state grant funds, contributions from FPL, the participating cruise lines, and the County. Implementation will occur in phases. The earliest construction could occur is mid-2024 with all phases completed by the end of 2027.
Fort Lauderdale awarded $24 million through Resilient Grant Program
From David Volz
The City of Fort Lauderdale has been awarded approximately $24 million through the Resilient Florida Grant Program to address drainage in two of the City’s most flood-prone neighborhoods: Historic Dorsey-Riverbend and Progresso Village. These neighborhoods are among the seven most flood-vulnerable Fort Lauderdale neighborhoods that were prioritized for stormwater improvements in the City’s 2018 Stormwater Master Plan.
Upcoming projects will construct new stormwater management infrastructure including catch basins, swales, new pipes, pollution control devices, and pump systems. Almost $10.5 million was awarded for Historic Dorsey-Riverbend, where work is expected to begin later this year on improvements valued at $21 million. Nearly $13.5 million in grant funds will be used toward infrastructure in Progresso Village, where construction is expected to begin in 2024 on improvements valued at $27 million.
The City of Fort Lauderdale remains steadfast in its commitment to upgrade the infrastructure and adapt to climate change. City staff will continue to pursue innovative funding opportunities to reduce the cost that is associated with completing large-scale projects.
Fort Lauderdale to build a new water plant.
From David Volz
The City Commission adopted a resolution authorizing the execution of a comprehensive agreement for the development, construction, and operation of the Prospect Lake Clean Water Center (Water Treatment Plant). The initial proposal was submitted in December 2020 and the project has been reviewed and considered over a two-year period. The Infrastructure Task Force Advisory Committee expressed support for this effort during a special meeting on February 1.
The new water treatment plant would replace the 70-year-old Fiveash Water Treatment Plant. The City will maintain ownership of the Prospect Lake Water Treatment Plant throughout construction and the following 30-year operational period, with the project company responsible for on-site operational management, maintenance, and repairs. The new plant, which would be completed by 2026 with an approximate cost of $666 million, will be located in the northwest section of the city, south of NW 62nd Street between NW 31st Avenue and 35th Avenue.
Pompano Beach to install mural on Pompano Beach Pier Parking Garage
From David Volz
The City of Pompano Beach commissioned Taylor Smith, AKA DREAMWEAVER, to install a mural entitled “Reef Life” on an exterior southeast stairwell on the Pompano Beach Pier Parking Garage next to the Tourism Center located at 3460 NE 3rd Street.
The location presented an exciting opportunity to create an immersive piece of public art just across from the bustling Fishing Village. Inspired by the coastal culture of Pompano Beach, ‘Reef Life’ celebrates the striking variety of life and color found beneath the surface of our renowned South Florida waters.
To create a cohesive appearance, ‘Reef Life’ is similar in color scheme to the other mural located on the Pier Parking Garage titled ‘A Place I’d Rather Be’. The complex and interdependent nature of coral reef ecosystems are the foundation of life underwater and a unique characteristic of Pompano Beach attracting visitors from all walks of life.
