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Ridge Road Extension Change OK'd

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By KEVIN WIATROWSKI

kwiatrowski@tampatrib.com

Published: January 28, 2009

NEW PORT RICHEY - County commissioners Tuesday approved the 10th alteration to the plans for the Ridge Road extension, adding nearly $500,000 to the cost of the controversial project that would add a third link between western Pasco County and U.S. 41.

County officials have spent a decade trying to win approval for the extension, which would run between Moon Lake Road and U.S. 41. The first leg of the road, between Moon Lake and the Suncoast Parkway, will cross the Serenova Preserve, a conservation area set aside to compensate for wetlands destroyed by the construction of the Suncoast.

Residents of central Pasco oppose the project as an environmental disaster and a budget boondoggle.

"Over three years ago, we told you this day would come," Land O' Lakes resident Dan Rametta, a member of Citizens for Sanity, told commissioners. Rametta has spent years challenging the Ridge Road extension proposal, prompting multiple revisions to the design.

Rametta's group has promised to sue to overturn any permit the Army Corps of Engineers grants for the road.

Army Corps regulators in Jacksonville sent Pasco County a 10-point checklist last month that outlined key issues to be resolved. County officials say they've addressed six and expect to address the rest in the near future.

Tuesday's revision pays the project engineers to add a bridge that will function as a large wildlife underpass. That bridge was added to counter criticism that the eight existing wildlife underpasses would be prone to flooding.

The change prompted Commissioner Ted Schrader to ask exactly how much Ridge Road extension will cost to build. Development figures for the road have ranged widely. Opponents say it will cost more than $300 million.

Michele Baker, chief assistant county administrator, told Schrader the county is sticking by its estimate of $125 million, provided work starts as scheduled in 2012. That figure could increase if Citizens for Sanity forces the issue into court, Baker said.

Commissioners reiterated their support for the project, particularly as a third hurricane evacuation route for the densely populated coast.

"I hope that the light is at the end of the tunnel, Michele. I really do," said Commissioner Ann Hildebrand.

Commission Chairman Jack Mariano appealed to Rametta and other opponents to see the issue from the county's perspective.

"We're going to proceed with this road. We wish you'd get behind us," Marino said.

Reporter Kevin Wiatrowski can be reached at (813) 948-4201.

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