Search
Close this search box.

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.
Source: City of Destin

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.

Join the conversation...

Continue reading 👇

Community Comments

“This article is obviously written by someone with 0 knowledge of the area. The erosion happening now is because " The Wall," as anyone that's been here since the 70's...”
Respond
“How are peoplele going to swim when there are nets every few feet??”
Respond
“I'm looking at this paragraph and thinking, why would city officials allow a DO in 2009 to be vested for 22 years? Wouldn't you think they'd realize the traffic increases...”
Respond
“Why so many boot lockers here”
Respond
“This is bs. They just allowed the county”
Respond
“There have been no parking signs for years. No one follows them.”
Respond
“Mr.Siegel, you say we own the Air Force? Keep it up with the negative sentiment, and watch the Air Force close off each side of 98 with fences topped with...”
Respond
“When I was A Deputy with the Sheriff's Office I was issuing county ordinance citations to people who were parking on the right-of-way along the area of the sea wall...”
Respond
“I will continue to go there and enjoy my time on this earth. This is bs. They just allowed the county to gangrape the south side of 98, directly across...”
Respond

GET OUR FREE LOCAL NEWSLETTER

Get the weekday email that actually makes reading local news enjoyable again.