City Receives $1.5 Million in State Funds for Key Projects

Published on July 18, 2025

Conceptual design rendering of New Haven Avenue from above looking east with a view of the street scape and Campbell Park

The City of Melbourne is pleased to announce that $1.5 million in funding for two important projects was included in the 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.

Melbourne Downtown Core Streetscape Project

The Melbourne Downtown Core Streetscape Project includes partial and full reconstruction of the historical downtown Melbourne corridor (East New Haven Avenue) between Livingston Street and U.S. 1.

Improvements will include wider sidewalks, improved drainage and stormwater infrastructure, new landscaping and street lights, and 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 American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant sidewalk and curb ramp. The project also includes ADA upgrades on one of the ramps to accommodate wheelchairs.

The Front Street boat docks provide important direct access to the Indian River Lagoon as one of two locations in Melbourne where boat launches with accessory docks are available to the public. 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.

Design of the project will be completed this summer, and construction is expected 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.