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Rotonda Bridge - Hurricane Ian Damage Update
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recommendation
Commission Office
Update on continued coordination with FEMA to finalize funding reimbursement for the Rotonda Bridge repair project in accordance with the arbitration ruling, and to continue pursuing all necessary permits to advance the project.
**Added, 6/23/2025**
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Budgeted Action:
No action needed.
Background:
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The Rotonda bridge sustained significant structural damage as a result of Hurricane Ian. FEMA initially denied funding eligibility, citing minor pre-existing damage. The Charlotte County Attorney’s Office engaged outside legal counsel to assist in navigating the FEMA appeal process. The case proceeded to arbitration, where the judge ruled in the County’s favor, determining that the prior minor damage was not the cause of the extensive damage caused by the storm. The ruling directed FEMA and the County to work together to determine appropriate funding reimbursement.
Permitting Update:
• SWFWMD Permit: Received and in hand.
• USACE (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers): Permit application submitted on December 11, 2024.
o As of the latest update from KCI/Weiler Engineering (March 28, 2025), the USACE reviewer indicated the Rotonda MSBU Bridge Replacement project is currently 20th on his project list.
o KCI/Weiler has been following up weekly but has not received further responses as of this update.
Project Development:
• The bid package is currently in development and is due mid-July 2025.
• The engineer’s opinion of probable cost for the project is $2.2 million.
Staff will continue to provide updates to the Board as permitting progresses and as FEMA discussions advance.
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