A multi-use trail in Perdido Key has landed some funding from the state of Florida. More than a million dollars has been awarded to cover the design phase of the trail, though no construction funds are currently on the table.
The Perdido Key multi-use trail project is also on the list of projects being considered for funds stemming from the 2010 oil spill penalties, or RESTORE funds. The total cost of the overall project, which includes dune walkovers as well as a artificial snorkeling reef, is estimated to be $6.5 million.
Escambia County press release:
The Perdido Key Drive Multi-Use Trail in Escambia County has been awarded $1,123,144 from the Florida Department of Transportation’s Shared Use Nonmotorized Trail Program, or (SUN) Trail Program. The funding will cover design for the trail, which will run along Perdido Key Drive/State Road 292 from Gongora Drive to the Alabama state line. The 10-foot multi-use trail will be constructed on the north side of the road and have strategically placed sidewalk connections on the south side of the road.
The Perdido Key Drive Multi-Use Trail was one of 45 projects selected by FDOT through the first year of the (SUN) Trail Program, with funds allocated for the current fiscal year (2016-17). No construction funds have been dedicated to the project at this time, but Escambia County will continue to seek grants and other funding for construction of the trail.
The projects selected are in the (SUN) Trail network, which consists of the developing statewide system of paved multi-use trails for bicyclists and pedestrians, physically separated from vehicular traffic. The (SUN) Trail Program was established during the 2015 legislative session. For more information about the program, click here.