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Review and Approval of Agreement to Transfer Trail Counters to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) (As approved 6-6-24)
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BRIEF OVERVIEW
Attached is an agreement to transfer trail counters to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). Four trail counters were purchased by the MPO in 2021 to collect data for reporting purposes on trail usage and the cost was reimbursed at 100% by FDOT. Unfortunately, one trail counter was stolen, an insurance claim was filed, and proceeds were received. The Federal Highway Administration and Florida Department of Transportation will advise the MPO on the disposition of the handling of the insurance proceeds.
In reviewing the program and the intent of the data collection activities, and pursuant to discussions with our partners at the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), it was determined that it would be in the best interests of the program if the FDOT managed the trail counters and was responsible for the operating and maintenance costs. The Hernando County Department of Public Works indicated that they could not utilize the trail counters in their operations.
The attached agreement outlines that FDOT will obtain ownership of the counters, retrieve and assimilate data for the use by the FDOT, Hernando/Citrus MPO, Hernando County, and the public for bicycle/pedestrian planning, and be responsible for the associated operating and maintenance costs.
On March 28, 2024, the MPO’s Technical Advisory Committee, Citizens Advisory Committee, and Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee conducted public meetings and voted to recommend the MPO Board approve the transfer of bicycle trail counters to FDOT.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Ownership, operation, and maintenance responsibilities and costs of the trail counters will be the responsibility of the Florida Department of Transportation.
LEGAL NOTE
Pursuant to Chapter 339.175, Florida Statutes, the MPO Board can take the recommended action.
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended the Hernando/Citrus MPO Board approve the transfer of the trail counters to the Florida Department of Transportation and authorize the Chairman’s signature upon the agreement.