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It always comes down to the money. In this case, it is the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority’s hope that a potential new funding source will relieve the need for any toll increases beyond the one already scheduled for October.

It was a busy day for the GIBA board. From a 9 a.m. Engineering Committee meeting to a 4 p.m. executive session, with a special board meeting sandwiched in between at 2 p.m., it was a day full of updates and information for the board and members of the public who attended.

At the engineering meeting, Hardesty & Hanover presented the committee with the latest design plans for the swing bridge replacement, along with an estimate of the cost to build the bridge. The design mirrors the fixed bridges, with 11’ wide traffic lanes and 4’ shoulders.

The engineering committee voted to recommend that the full board accept the plans and that GIBA Executive Director Jim Cooper move ahead in requesting bids for the construction of the bridge. The bids will be due back on Oct. 1.

At 2 p.m., the full board came together to consider and vote on several measures.

First was the election update. The candidates for the three seats at question are all running unopposed. George Baker, Gay Darsie and incumbent Ginger Watkins will be on November’s ballot.

This was followed by an explanation of hurricane readiness plans for GIBA, Orion and KCCS.

The big news was from the Finance Committee. There is a chance that GIBA will be able to obtain a $30 million loan at a two-percent interest rate from the Florida Department of Transportation. In light of this development, and in anticipation of November’s Ad Valorem tax vote, the board voted to hold off on any decisions on toll increases until more information was available.

The next GIBA board meeting will be held on Nov. 2 at 1:30 p.m. On Nov. 15, a special meeting will be held to welcome incoming board members and to appoint open advisory member seats.

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