On October 21, 2019, the Martin MPO executed Resolution 20-03 to submit a Shared-Use Non-motorized (SUN) Trail Program Request for Funding for a shared-use path along the Dixie Highway corridor between SE Grafton Avenue and NW Wright Boulevard that will serve as a segment of the East Coast Greenway (ECG). The ECG consists of a 3,000-mile route for biking, walking, and other active means from Maine to the Florida Keys and is a Priority Trail identified on the SUN Trail Network. The Martin MPO is coordinating with Martin County, the City of Stuart and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to provide information for application submittal. As part of Part VIII – Certification of Willing Manager(s) of the application process, SUN Trail funded projects require a non-FDOT governmental entity formally committed to providing regularly scheduled maintenance activities of the project (long-term trail manager).
The first phase of the project development, the feasibility study and corridor planning, would analyze extending the ECG and assist in determining required alignment, bridges, elevated walkways, utility, drainage and residing businesses and neighborhood impacts. The managing entity will be responsible for the day-to-day upkeep and daily operation; protection for trail users; they will reduce safety hazards that occur; and they will ensure a quality level of service is maintained on the facility.
At a later date, in later phases, the Martin County and/or the City of Stuart, depending upon the ownership of right-of-ways determined from the first phase of the project development, will enter into a Maintenance of Memorandum of Agreement with the FDOT for the project prior to the completion of design, or at the time of programming funding for a later project phase.
The Florida Department of Transportation Shared-Use Nonmotorized (SUN) Trail Program Request for Funding deadline for submittal is December 20, 2019.