MPO

This morning at the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), a presentation was given on the Long Range Transportation Plans (LRTP). The presentation focused on the 2025 LRTP for arterial roads and funding mechanism's to achieve the goal. A figure of $3.2-million a mile was quoted for current construction costs and right of way (ROW) acquisitions. The presentation included several methods of raising capital for the roads on the 2025 year plan. Option 1 included raising the Impact Fees again, a 3 cents gas tax ear-marked for road construction and a 1/2 sales tax. Option 2 suggested a 1% sales tax increase with 80% of it ear-marked for the road construction. Commissioner Schenck inquired if developer agreements for future roads could be figured into the long range estimates. He was informed that it would be almost impossible to predict how these agreements could be included without planning specifications. Mr. Jennings suggested that advanced right of way projects take a more active role in this ROW acquisitions. Commissioner Kingsley commented on Commissioners Stabins editorial comments in last Sunday's paper, in reference to use the sales tax windfall for necessary projects within the state, like for schools or insurance. Mr. Kingsley then made a motion to draft a resolution to Hernando County Legislative Delegation to suspend the state sales tax holiday. His motion included having the tax windfall surplus go towards the infrastructure improvements statewide to take the burden off the individuals counties. His motion was seconded by Commissioner Robinson. The motion passed, with Commissioner Schenck being the only descending vote. Further discussion will inevitably take place this spring with our county commissioners for funding the 2025 LRTP.