While I and the rest of Clearwater's commissioners share in our community's disappointment with recent developments regarding the new Memorial Causeway Bridge, I want to stress to each of our residents and visitors that safety remains our top concern.
We will continue to work closely with the state Department of Transportation and PCL Constructors to evaluate these new issues and provide workable solutions that are satisfactory to all of the parties involved, especially our residents and visitors who will use the bridge on a daily basis.
When we embarked on this project, we knew that it would be complex and challenging. While no one could have anticipated the number or extent of the challenges, the city is confident that the state DOT and the contractor, PCL Constructors Inc., share our desire to take the time and steps necessary to correct problems and move forward with this vital project.
It's important to remember, too, that the state of Florida will own and maintain this structure and that the cost of any and all repairs will ultimately be the responsibility of the contractor, PCL.
I would like to reiterate that the city will remain focused on a positive outcome by working closely with DOT and PCL and that when the final solutions are determined, we will immediately communicate those to the public and local media.
The focus is on solving these issues permanently; therefore, we will not rush this process and will insist that every solution is thoroughly investigated. The bridge will not open until we are all 100 percent positive that any and all damage has been permanently repaired.
I'd like to thank the citizens for their patience and understanding of this complex process. As we look around our city, we see numerous examples of Clearwater's growth and development as a first-class city. While construction of the Memorial Causeway Bridge has seen these recent setbacks, other projects have been successfully completed on time and - in many cases - under budget.
In just the past six months, we began operating a new water treatment facility that has been a model for communities across the state who are reconsidering the way they manage their water supplies. The project will help Clearwater maintain better control of water supplies and prices for our residents.
Fire Station 49 opened next to Clearwater Mall, providing our firefighters with the modern facilities and resources needed to keep our community safe.
The new Bright House Networks Field is a model of public-private partnership and will provide a new economic boost for Clearwater.
And in just months, a landmark Main Library will open, providing a cultural and educational hub for our growing community.
Perhaps hidden among all of these highly visible infrastructure projects is Clearwater's most recent honor: being named the top sports town in Florida by Sports Illustrated magazine. This award is testimony to our ongoing commitment of enhancing the quality of life for all of our residents. The award not only recognizes our city for building and maintaining outstanding facilities, but also for providing recreational and athletic programs for all ages and ability levels. It's recognition of our commitment toward the people we were elected to serve.
While we maintain a focus on the issues at hand, we're also planning for Clearwater's next step. The City Commission recently approved a new residential/retail project downtown that will help restore the economic vitality of our downtown.
The improvements we have seen have been the product of a dedicated staff and a City Commission that has maintained a focus on a vision of building our future together. Ultimately, the difficulties we've faced with the Memorial Causeway Bridge will be overcome, and we will be able to point to the completion of this project as a historic moment that will breathe new life and vitality into our beaches, our downtown and our community as a whole.
In the meantime, we will continue to represent Clearwater's interests, working with DOT and PCL to make the corrections needed to allow us to move forward during this time of unprecedented growth and excitement in the community we call home.
- Brian Aungst is mayor of Clearwater. Guest columnists write their own views on subjects they choose, which do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.
