Table 5
Benefit-Cost Analysis Net Present Value of Benefits Costs Benefit-Cost Ratio
Benefit-Cost Results North Gap
Benefits with 7% Discount Rate
High Estimate $922,652,549 $17,652,440 52.27
Best Estimate $485,784,202 $17,652,440 27.52
Low Estimate $385,156,423 $17,652,440 21.82
Benefits with 3% Discount Rate
High Estimate $1,273,047,552 $17,826,240 71.41
Best Estimate $670,270,071 $17,826,240 37.60
Low Estimate $531,426,962 $17,826,240 29.81
Benefit-Cost Results South Gap
Benefits with 7% Discount Rate
High Estimate $1,514,069,478 $21,053,123 71.92
Best Estimate $1,063,210,420 $21,053,123 50.50
Low Estimate $959,359,614 $21,053,123 45.57
Benefits with 3% Discount Rate
High Estimate $2,089,066,405 $21,053,123 99.23
Best Estimate $1,466,984,972 $21,053,123 69.68
Low Estimate $1,323,694,830 $21,053,123 62.87
Benefit-Cost Results Entire Loop
Benefits with 7% Discount Rate
High Estimate $2,115,906,002 $38,303,161 55.24
Best Estimate $1,339,703,770 $38,303,161 34.98
Low Estimate $1,160,913,835 $38,303,161 30.31
Benefits with 3% Discount Rate
High Estimate $3,116,725,614 $39,223,190 79.46
Best Estimate $1,973,381,167 $39,223,190 50.31
Low Estimate $1,710,023,925 $39,223,190 43.60

Project Readiness

Technical Feasibility

Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop will involve the utilization of non-traditional construction techniques (through design-build) in existing right-of-way. The North Gap will use both existing Duke Energy utility corridor right-of-way and right-of-way along state, county and municipal roadways. The South Gap will utilize existing Duke Energy utility right-of-way, in addition to utilizing state and county right-of-way and over/underpasses where available.

Alternative alignments using public and private properties and right-of-way are available and feasible. Further design will be completed with part of this grant funding. Cost estimates were based on mileage, and also include allowances for engineering, design, project administration and management, and potential cost overruns. Built into the budget is a contingency rate.

Each segment of Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop has independent utility, but as the final pieces of the Pinellas Trail Loop, these segments function as part of a complete, multi-modal transportation facility. A Statement of Work is included as Appendix A.

Financial Feasibility

Since 1991, more than $82.5 million (2015$) has been invested in creating the existing Pinellas Trail Loop. More than $37.8 million local dollars have contributed to the Loop through local sources, such as sales tax revenue and impact fees. Over $6 million has been provided by the State of Florida, which has committed additional funds for part of the Loop completion. Finally, the federal government has contributed more than $38.4 million dollars through various sources, including Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ), Transportation Enhancements (TE) and federal appropriations.

Local funding for Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop is being provided by the Penny for Pinellas infrastructure sales tax. The Pinellas County Capital Improvements Program includes the local funding match being used to leverage this project. The Board of County Commissioners approved the use of these funds as a match at the same time the TIGER grant application was approved for submittal (Appendix E). Combined with full TIGER grant funding, all segments needed for Completing the Pinellas Trail Loop will be fully funded and able to move forward.

The dollars from the local match will be used to construct a portion of the Trail segment in the North Gap, extending from the Brighthouse Networks Field baseball facility in Clearwater, north to the existing Trail overpass at U.S. Highway 19. Local match dollars will also be spent on the South Gap, paying for the reconstruction of the San Martin Bridge. This bridge facility is in need of replacement and does not currently safely accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians. Local funds will be utilized to contribute to the redesign and reconstruction of this bridge to accommodate a designated Trail facility, providing a critical missing link in the Pinellas Trail Loop system.

Operating revenue for the County Loop components will be provided by the Pinellas County Parks and Conservation Resources Department.

Table 6, below, displays a breakdown of anticipated expenditures by quarter, including the percent per quarter of the total project coast. Service is scheduled to be available for the first phase of the project in the first quarter (October to December) of FY 2017/2018.

Table 6 - Budget by Quarter
Year quarter Expended by Quarter, TIGER Expended by Quarter, Local Percent of Total Cost Components
2015/16 1 $298,210 $185,661 1.56% Phases 1-3, In-House Design/Engineering
  2 $466,596 $290,496 2.44% Phase 1 begins Design Build Contract and Award
  3 $466,596 $290,496 2.44% Phase 1 begins Construction
  4 $883,512 $550,062 4.61% Phase 2 begins Design Build Contract and Award, Phase 2 begins Construction
2016/17 1 $883,512 $550,062 4.61% Continue work from previous quarter
  2 $971,885 $605,082 5.07% Continue work from previous quarter
  3 $971,885 $605,082 5.07% Continue work from previous quarter
  4 $1,106,654 $688,987 5.78% Phases 3 & 4 begin Design Build Contract and Award
2017/18 1 $1,106,654 $688,987 5.78% Service begins in Phase 1, Phases 3 & 4 begin Construction
  2 $1,325,236 $825,074 6.92% Continue work from previous quarter
  3 $1,618,361 $1,007,570 8.45% Continue work from previous quarter
  4 $1,618,361 $1,007,570 8.45% Continue work from previous quarter
2018/19 1 $1,618,361 $1,007,570 8.45% Service begins in Phase 2
  2 $1,085,643 $675,907 5.67% Continue work from previous quarter
  3 $1,040,442 $647,765 5.43% Continue work from previous quarter
  4 $1,040,442 $647,765 5.43% Continue work from previous quarter
2019/20 1 $1,040,442 $647,765 5.43% Service begins in Phase 3
  2 $793,922 $494,285 4.14% Continue work from previous quarter
  3 $506,170 $315,134 2.64% Service begins in Phase 4
  4 $313,247 $195,778 1.64% Project Management
Total   $19,156,129 $11,927,100 100.00% Service begins on Phase 4 (final phase) in January 2020