State Budget Allocates $1.5 Million for Key Infrastructure Projects in Downtown Melbourne, Front Street Park

Award notifications are anticipated at the end of September

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA — The City of Melbourne has announced that $1.5 million in funding for two important projects was included in the State of Florida’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.

The Melbourne Downtown Core Streetscape Project will receive $1 million, and the Melbourne Front Street Boat Dock Replacement Project will receive $500,000.

The Melbourne Downtown Core Streetscape Project involves the partial and full reconstruction of the historic downtown Melbourne corridor, spanning East New Haven Avenue between Livingston Street and U.S. Highway 1.

Improvements will include wider sidewalks, improved drainage and stormwater infrastructure, new landscaping, and streetlights, as well as other amenities to create a more welcoming and pedestrian-friendly environment in Downtown Melbourne.

The conceptual design for the project was completed in 2024.

The $1 million in funding provided in the state budget will be used to support the comprehensive engineering design of the streetscape project, which will include design of utility and stormwater infrastructure, roadways and sidewalks, landscaping, and all other amenities and improvements.

Front Street Boat Dock Replacement Project

The Front Street Boat Dock Replacement Project includes replacement of the three boat docks at Front Street Park, shoreline hardening for erosion control, parking lot improvements, and construction of an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant sidewalk and curb ramp. The project also includes ADA upgrades on one of the ramps to accommodate wheelchairs.

The Front Street boat docks offer important direct access to the Indian River Lagoon, as one of two locations in Melbourne where public boat launches with accessory docks are available. High water levels in the Indian River Lagoon have caused the boat docks to be closed several times due to being underwater.

The new dock design will alleviate this issue.

The design of the project is expected to be completed this summer, and construction is anticipated to begin in early 2026.

The $500,000 in the state budget will be put toward construction costs. The City of Melbourne has submitted a request to the Florida Inland Navigation District for additional funding to support the project. Award notifications are anticipated at the end of September.

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