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First Public Hearing on the 2050 Long-Range Transportation Plan
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BRIEF OVERVIEW
Attached for the MPO Board’s review is the Hernando/Citrus MPO’s draft 2050 Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). The 2050 LRTP serves as the primary guidance for developing the future of the transportation systems throughout Citrus and Hernando Counties.
The proposed draft of the 2050 Long-Range Transportation Plan is the culmination of many public meetings, workshops, discussions, and activities both on a local level as well as on a regional basis. Pursuant to the MPO’s adopted 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. The public comment period began September 1, 2024. The September 5 meeting is the first of the two required hearings by the MPO Board. The final adoption hearing is scheduled for October 3, 2024. Submittal is required within 90 days of adoption to the Federal Highway Administration/US Department of Transportation.
The 2050 LRTP serves to reflect the growth that is occurring by addressing goals vitally important to the transportation process including:
• Safety (addressing priorities that seek to improve safety in the transportation system for all modes and users),
• Economy (proactively supporting activities vital to economic development and tourism throughout Hernando and Citrus counties),
• Mobility (providing for the mobility needs of the communities),
• Implementation (ensuring effective execution of improvements and maintenance)
• 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).
On August 29, 2024, the Technical Advisory Committee, the Citizens Advisory Committee, and the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee conducted public hearings 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.
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 public hearing today,
• review the attached draft of the 2050 LRTP Adoption Report and offer any input or comments as desired, and
• conduct the required second public hearing on October 3, 2024, to adopt the 2050 LRTP by roll-call vote.