TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: Peter D. Lear, CPA, CGMA, City Manager
TITLE: Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization Town Tour Presentation - Long Range Transportation Plan
Recommended Action
The City Commission is asked to review the needs list and discuss their priorities as the MPO begins to develop the cost feasible list of programs and projects that will be submitted to state and federal transportation departments for funding consideration.
Background Information
In the next 25 years, almost $5 billion will be invested in the Sarasota/Manatee regional road network. The Sarasota/Manatee 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) will guide the investment of these funds. The Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) has developed a comprehensive needs list based on jurisdiction plans, technical data, computer modeling, and community feedback.
The LRTP must consider the full complement of transportation modes - roads, bicycles, pedestrians, trails, transit, parking, railroads and airports. The plan includes at least twenty years and must be updated every five years. Florida Statute requires the LRTP to prioritize:
• Preserving the existing transportation infrastructure,
• Enhancing Florida’s economic competitiveness, and
• Improving travel choices to ensure mobility.
The MPO Governing Board adopted the following LRTP Vision Statements which, in concert with federally-mandated performance measures, will serve as the guiding principles for the 2045 plan.
• Promote Economic Diversity: Attract high tech businesses and employees, focus on port centers as economic engines, brand and plan for the higher education/cultural corridor on US 41, prepare transportation infrastructure for new technology.
• Preserve Environmental Health: Safeguard treasured environmental assets, plan for resiliency from storms and flooding, balance protection and land use, increase density and decrease auto dependency.
• Create Vibrant Places: Increase housing and transportation choices, provide more multimodal options including safe walking and bicycling, preserve corridors for future premium transit to connect urban centers.
This presentation will not be limited to the typical 15 minute time limit to allow enough time for the complete information to be provided to the board.
Strategic Plan
Develop and maintain the City’s roads, bridges, storm water drainage, and water ways with creative infrastructure funding mechanisms; promote multimodal transportation opportunities throughout the City.
Financial Impact
None at this time, but has potential funding implications through the MPO.
Procurement
N/A
Attachments:
1. MPO Proposed Needs List for North Port
2. MAP of Needs List
3. LRTP Draft Introduction
4. Research Report
5. Comprehensive Plan Review
Prepared by: Nicole Galehouse, AICP, Planning Division Manager
Ben Newman, P.E., Project Engineer
Department Director: Frank Miles, Director, Neighborhood Development Services
Juliana B. Bellia, Director, Public Works