Politics

Destin Council ranks ‘Crosstown Connector’ as top legislative funding priority

The long-awaited Crosstown Connector project, which began in 2004, topped the city's legislative funding requests as officials hope to complete the final leg of an alternative route through Destin.

Jared Williams

The Destin City Council voted Monday to prioritize four infrastructure projects for state funding requests, following the recommendation of their lobbyist.

After discussion at their March 3 meeting, the council approved a priority ranking that places the Crosstown Connector at the top of the city’s legislative appropriation requests to be submitted to Rep. Patt Maney’s office.

The $12 million Crosstown Connector project, which has been in development since 2004, is seeking $3 million in state funding to complete the final leg of an alternative route through Destin to Highway 98. Design and permitting for the two-lane roadway from Beach Drive to Benning Drive are nearly complete.

“I was in middle school when we started this project,” said Mayor Bobby Wagner, who recently met with state officials in Tallahassee alongside the city’s lobbyist. “So I would love to see that done.”

The Mattie Kelly Outfall stormwater project ranked second, with officials seeking $1 million toward the estimated $1.5-2 million cost. The project aims to replace undersized pipes that frequently become blocked with sand due to wave action, affecting drainage for Joe’s Bayou Recreation Area and surrounding residential areas.

Councilman Jim Bagby supported following the lobbyist’s recommendations, noting the priorities reflect “a read on what type of projects are going to get approved and make it across the Governor’s desk.”

The pedestrian underpass near the Stahlman/Highway 98 intersection ranked third, with a $500,000 funding request. Councilman Dewey Destin emphasized the connection between this project and the Crosstown Connector.

“If we do nothing at all to fix the problems there, then the Crosstown is going to be a giant fiasco,” Destin said.

The Clement Taylor Park renovation placed fourth, with a $1 million request toward the $1.7 million project to update aging facilities and improve ADA accessibility.

The vote came after Councilman Kevin Schmidt initially proposed a different ranking that prioritized recreation projects, citing frustration with seeking more funding for the long-running Crosstown Connector project.