County one step closer to paving Buckhorn Blvd.

CHIPLEY – Residents of Buckhorn Boulevard won’t have to wait much longer to see progress on the road’s paving.

Washington County Commissioners approved a bid for the project from Roberts and Roberts with contingencies when the board met in regular session Thursday, April 15. 

The project was approved under the Small Community Outreach Program (SCOP) back in 2018 to be funded in the 2021 cycle to pave the road. The budget is set at $2,582,506 with Roberts and Roberts coming in with a bid of $2,710,483.42, an overage of $270,793.27. The county will request the extra funds from Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), but if they are denied the county will begin negotiations with Roberts and Roberts to see if the project can be brought within budget parameters.  

Other paving projects are also making progress. The
board was advised that Earl Gilbert Road, Toole Road, Coy Road and Peel
Road have all been advertised with Requests for Proposals. These paving projects will be funded under FEMA. Brickyard Road resurfacing is also out for bid, according to County Engineer Cliff Knauer. Knauer stated FDOT will need to approve the measure as well. The road will be resurfaced from Highway 277 to Orange Hill Highway. 

Commissioners also approved the reopening of the Crystal Lake South Boat Ramp after County Administrator Jeff Massey advised the board of urging from the public and resident requests on the matter. The county originally planned to have repairs complete at the intersection of Amethyst Drive and Crystal Lake Drive before the reopening but reconsidered after an outpouring of calls from the public concerning the ramp. 

In other business, Public
Works Supervisor Johnny Evans requested board approval to use
funds from his equipment budget to purchase a fully loaded 2021 International work truck for $136,378. The request was approved unanimously. 

Commissioners also approved the appointment of Traci Corbin as the new Administrator of the Florida Department of Health in Washington and Holmes Counties and the recommendation of the Tourist Development Council to appoint Chris Ellis to Seat 8 on the TDC board.

Washington County Board of County Commissioners will meet again in regular session at 9 a.m., Thursday, May 20.