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Public Hearing on the Adoption of the 2050 Long-Range Transportation Plan
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BRIEF OVERVIEW
Attached is the 2050 Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) for the Hernando/Citrus MPO (MPO) which is being presented for adoption in this public hearing. The 2050 LRTP was prepared by the MPO’s General Planning Consultant, Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. The purpose of this second and final public hearing is to review the document, receive public comment, adopt the 2050 Long-Range Transportation by roll-call vote, and direct MPO Staff to forward the document to the requisite state and federal agencies. The 2050 LRTP serves as the primary guidance for developing the future of the transportation systems throughout Citrus and Hernando Counties.
The 2050 Long-Range Transportation Plan is the culmination of many public meetings, workshops, coordination meetings with FDOT, discussions, and activities both on a local level as well as on a regional basis that have occurred since late 2022. Public involvement opportunities in which participation in the 2050 LRTP development process is included in the 2050 LRTP.
Pursuant to the MPO’s Public Participation Plan, adoption of the LRTP can occur after a 30-day public comment period occurs and two public hearings are conducted by the MPO Board, and the MPO Board’s committees have reviewed the document. In accordance with federal law, the 2050 LRTP must be adopted within five years of the prior five-year document which was the 2045 LRTP adopted on December 4, 2019.
The advertised public comment period began September 1, 2024, at which time a draft 2050 LRTP was available for review. On August 29, 2024, the Technical Advisory Committee, the Citizens Advisory Committee, and the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee conducted public meetings and reviewed the draft 2050 Long-Range Transportation Plan report. The Technical Advisory Committee recommended verbiage being reflected in the plan that Citrus County’s CR 491 on the south end continuing northward be prioritized higher than improvements on Cardinal Street. The Committees unanimously voted to receive public comment, recommend the plan be approved by the MPO Board at its September 5, 2024, hearing and continue with the second required public hearing on October 3, 2024, to adopt the Plan.
The MPO Board conducted the first public hearing on September 5, 2024, and unanimously concurred to continue the second public hearing on October 3, 2024. Submittal is required within 90 days of adoption to the Federal Highway Administration/US Department of Transportation. Per the federal regulations, if the document contains significant changes from the draft, the MPO Board has the authority to conduct another public hearing within 30 days to affirm public satisfaction of the 2050 LRTP.
On September 26, 2024, an in-person Open House was scheduled at the Building Training Facility in Brooksville. The purpose of the Open House was to provide an additional opportunity for the public to review and comment on the 2050 LRTP. However, due to Hurricane Helene, the Open House was cancelled.
The importance of the 2050 LRTP is that is covers the next 20-year horizon of transportation planning and projects. It serves to reflect the growth that is occurring by addressing the Goal of the 2050 LRTP which is to “provide a safe and efficient transportation system that addresses the priorities of the community” and accomplishes the Goal by incorporating the following objectives vitally important to the transportation process:
• Economy (proactively supporting activities vital to economic development and tourism throughout Hernando and Citrus counties),
• Safety (addressing priorities that seek to improve safety in the transportation system for all modes and users),
• Mobility (providing for the mobility needs of the communities),
• Intermodal (maintaining the existing transportation system including roadways, transit systems, and enhance bicycle/pedestrian systems),
• Livability (enhancing and preserving where possible the physical, and natural environments unique to Citrus and Hernando counties)
• Preservation (maintaining and preserving a resilient transportation infrastructure in a cost-effective manner).
• Implementation (ensuring effective execution of improvements and maintenance)
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The LRTP is required to fund the projects and improvements contained therein.
LEGAL NOTE
Pursuant to Chapter 339.175, Florida Statutes, the MPO Board has the authority to take the recommended action.
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended the MPO Board:
• receive public input at the October 3, 2024, adoption hearing,
• review the attached Hernando/Citrus 2050 Long-Range Transportation Plan and offer any input or comments as desired,
• adopt the 2050 LRTP by roll-call vote, and
• authorize Staff to submit the 2050 LRTP to the requisite state and federal agencies within 90 days of adoption.