SUBJECT:
Title
Request Approval of Aerial Easement with Duke Energy Florida, LLC, a Florida Limited Liability Company in Association with the Modification of the Transmission System Between Ross Prairie and Shaw Substations and Supporting Check Authorization Form (Budget Impact - Revenue of $40,000)
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INITIATOR: |
DEPARTMENT: |
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Steven Cohoon, PE, County Engineer |
Office of the County Engineer |
DESCRIPTION/BACKGROUND:
Duke Energy Florida is upgrading its electric transmission system between the Ross Prairie and Shaw Substations and has requested an aerial easement across an existing stormwater retention area adjacent to SW 43rd Street Road (Parcel No. 2390+005-000). The requested easement is limited to aerial transmission facilities and does not authorize the placement of poles, structures, or other ground-level facilities within the stormwater retention area, allowing the County to continue operating and maintaining the existing drainage facility.
Although legal title to the parcel remains with the City of Ocala, the property was included in the roadway and drainage infrastructure intended to transfer to Marion County under the Interlocal Agreement approved by the Board on June 18, 2024, for the jurisdictional transfer of SW 40th Avenue and related transportation improvements. Because the formal conveyance documents have not yet been recorded, Duke Energy and its title company have requested execution of the easement by both the City and County to address each entity's property interest.
As a regulated public utility, Duke Energy has the authority to acquire property interests necessary for electric transmission facilities through eminent domain when required by law. Approval of this easement allows the project to proceed by mutual agreement, avoids potential condemnation proceedings, protects the County's stormwater facility through negotiated easement terms, and provides Marion County with $40,000 in compensation.
BUDGET/IMPACT:
Revenue of $40,000.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Recommended action
Motion to approve and authorize the Chairman and Clerk to execute the attached Aerial Easement and the Check Authorization form.
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