Bridge Authority partnership with Eglin benefits all Northwest Florida

  • Published
  • By Mike Spaits
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Eglin's populace, the residents of Northwest Florida, the local economy and even the Okaloosa Darter are just a few of the recipients that will enjoy the benefits of recently agreed upon price between the Air Force and the Mid Bay Bridge Authority.

Eglin Air Force Base will realize over $20 million in payment in-kind from the Mid Bay Bridge Authority for the use of Eglin property in the new connector being constructed.
According to Vicki Preacher, 96th Civil Engineer Group Deputy, the funding comes at a critical time and will help support construction/maintenance and repairs.

"The funds will be part of a trust for Eglin which will be spent for various projects benefiting Eglin and the repair of base facilities," said Ms. Preacher. "With all the services cutting budgets, this settlement is a tremendous boost for Eglin," she said.

A team comprised of the Air Force Real Property Agency, Air Force Material Command and Eglin met with the MBBA to negotiate a fair market value easement for phases 2 and 3 of the Mid-Bay Bridge Connector on June 9th.

Phases 2 and 3 of the project will provide a vital transportation link from Destin to Interstate 10 and will alleviate traffic on White Point Road and John Sims Parkway. The connector will also drastically improve hurricane evacuation routes from South Okaloosa and Walton Counties.

For it's role, the Authority is looking forward to helping boost the economy through contracts with local companies.

"Our goal is to contract as many projects as possible to local firms," said Jim Vest, Executive Director of the Authority. "We see this as a huge win for Eglin and the entire region," he added.

The Authority will also use funding for environmental restoration projects around the reservation and local community. These projects are helping restore degraded habitat for the federally-listed endangered Okaloosa Darter. When these projects are completed, the US Fish and Wildlife may look at removing the tiny fish from the Endangered Species List entirely.

"The connector project would not have been possible were it not for the combined efforts of Eglin, AFRPA, and the Authority," said Glenn Wagner, 96th CEG, Real Estate Enhanced Use Lease program manager. "This team's dedication to solving the community's transportation issues with minimal impact to private land holders was instrumental in the success of the project."

Department of Defense guidance requires that the Air Force receive fair market value for all grants of land use to outside agencies. Eglin is able to retain this value locally and will be using the proceeds to accomplish maintenance and repair at the installation.