Bridge panel suspended but not disbanded

November 10,2001

By Drew Dixon
News staff writer

The St. Lucie County Expressway and Bridge Authority has indefinitely suspended operations because of a lack of funding for its plan to build a bridge across the Indian River Lagoon at Walton Road.

Authority Chairman Rudy Howard suggested the panel suspend operations at its meeting Friday, the first since August.

"While we've had some great conceptual ideas, we don't have a positive funding source at this time," he said.

State Sen. Ken Pruitt, R-Port St. Lucie, announced in July that the state Department of Transportation was transferring $20 million that could have been used for the bridge to fund the West Virginia Corridor, an east-west road through Port St. Lucie.

Howard suggested suspension of authority activities, but he also wants the panel to meet quarterly for possible updates. But that suggestion met opposition.

"I don't think we need to spend any more money on this," said authority member and County Commissioner John Bruhn. The authority should just "close shop. I don't see any reason to continue."

Fort Pierce Mayor and authority member Eddie Enns suggested the panel instead wait for guidance from the DOT before disbanding completely. He suggested Howard contact the DOT and ask for a ruling before the next step is taken.

The board unanimously approved Enns' suggestion.

The move to suspend operations was welcomed by some of the harshest critics of the bridge project. The so-called "St. Lucie Four" - who were sued by contractor Figg Bridge Engineers for criticizing the project - welcomed the decision.

"I'd like to thank the authority for its action today," Charles Grande said.

Kevin Stinnette, another of "the four," said he commends the decision but criticized the authority for not listening to residents' concerns.

"There were times you didn't answer," he said. "We took it as if you were ignoring our concerns."

Ed McKay, another member of the foursome, also took aim at the authority and Howard.

"I can't say this is a happy day for anybody," he said. "It should have never came to this. It's seven years of bad times and bad feelings because you wouldn't listen."

"I'm sorry it took so long and took so much money," said Roger Sharp, the final member of the "St. Lucie Four." "I've been sued, and the chairman of this authority called me a liar in the newspaper."

Howard didn't respond to the criticism but said he isn't giving up on the bridge project.

"I've been on this authority for five years," he said. "I'm constantly stopped in the middle of the street by people who go, 'When are you going to get me that bridge?' This bridge will be built."

Authority member and Port St. Lucie City Councilman Jack Kelly sided with Howard, saying he thinks there is demand for the span.

"I don't resent our adversaries," he said. "But I continue to support the bridge. The overwhelming majority of the people of this city want this bridge. It's a sad day, but we'll be back."

November 10,2001