Cost of 87th Avenue bridge project in Palmetto Bay projected to exceed $5 million

PALMETTO BAY– The cost of the 87th Avenue Bridge is now projected to exceed $5 million.

Palmetto Bay Mayor Karyn Cunningham told CBS Miami she wants to make sure people impacted by the bridge are included in the next steps in the process.

The project has drawn strong opposition and support from neighbors. Earlier this month, the Florida Third District Court of Appeal ruled that county leaders have the authority to build a bridge on Southwest 87th Avenue over the Cutler Canal.

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Cunningham said she wants to make sure that concerned residents have a chance to make their voices heard when the updated projected cost of the bridge is brought before the Board of County Commissioners. 

Cunningham told CBS News Miami the Village of Palmetto Bay requested the Office of the Inspector General conduct an investigation into alleged misconduct, ethical and legal violations regarding the 87th Avenue bridge project.

Part of the complaint references an email between the Department of Transportation and Public Works and the Small Business Development Department that the price of the bridge is now going to cost more than $5 million.

"Staff members in an email, sent an email that said is there any way we can keep this from going back to the Board of County Commission. Was their ill intent, maybe not I don't know," Cunningham said.

In the email obtained by CBS News Miami, the Department of Transportation and Public Works writes:

"As per our conversation on the phone, you advised that the change order increases the contract amount to $5 million dollars. Surpassing the MCC threshold. Can you please provide us with an option on how we can proceed with this change order without going to BCC."

Cunningham explained policy states that if the bridge project goes over $5 million, the DTPW has to go back to the Board of County Commissioners for approval. To make it clear, Cunningham says at this point there hasn't been any violation, just an email inquiry.

But as a result, Cunningham told CBS News Miami she wants to make sure people in the community have adequate notification of when this item is brought before the Board of County Commissioners so they can be involved in the process. People opposed to the bridge have argued in the past they feel that hasn't been the case.

"When I look at what we have been arguing for the last several years, it has been that the folks did not have the opportunity to come out before the county commission, with appropriate timing," Cunningham said.

In the end, the inspector general closed the case and determined there was no wrongdoing. The inspector general also said the Department of Transportation does plan to bring the increased cost of the bridge to the Board of County Commissioners for approval. In response, the Department of Transportation and Public Works sent CBS News Miami the following statement:

"In accordance with county policies, DTPW is in the process of seeking the Board's approval for the change order for the SW 87 Ave bridge project. Currently, DTPW is drafting the request for the Board's approval."

Cunningham said her goal now is just to make sure the community is included in the process when that happens. 

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