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Presentation by the General Planning Consultant, Kimley-Horn & Associates, of the Needs Assessment for the 2050 Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and Review of the 2050 LRTP Draft Cost Feasible Plan
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BRIEF OVERVIEW
The General Planning Consultant, Kimley-Horn & Associates, will be making a presentation of the Hernando/Citrus Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (MPO’s) Needs Assessment and the preliminary Cost Feasible Plan associated with the 2050 Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP).
Safety, traffic congestion, and travel time will continue to be concerns in the two counties as the areas continue to grow. The local region and Florida as a whole are experiencing unprecedented growth due to a favorable business climate, weather, and attractions. The Hernando/Citrus MPO is responsible for developing the 2050 Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) which is an essential element of the transportation planning process.
The LRTP sets the vision and identifies the projects that will be funded using state and federal money for the next 20-25 years, through the year 2050, and is updated every five years. Public involvement is one way that the MPO is able to develop the transportation plan to meet the specific needs of the public.
In terms of growth, the population in Hernando County is expected to grow from over 192,000 people in 2019 to over 270,000 people in 2050. This represents an increase of nearly 78,000 persons, or over 40%. Likewise, Citrus County is expected to grow from 151,000 people in 2019 to nearly 206,000 people in 2050. This represents an increase of nearly 55,000 persons, or a 36% increase in population. Total employment in the two counties is anticipated to grow by 44,300 jobs, representing an increase of nearly 39%. This anticipated growth will develop better business climates and economic diversity for the two counties and will consequently present transportation challenges.
The MPO has identified the transportation capacity needs for the two counties and is identifying priority projects which will be considered for funding. Priority projects in the plan may include such improvements on portions of the following facilities:
• Suncoast Parkway Phase 3 to US 19 (Citrus)
• US 41 north of Inverness (Citrus)
• US 41 Spring Hill Drive to Powell Road (Hernando)
• County Line Road (Hernando)
• Lecanto Highway to SR 200 (Citrus)
On July 25, 2024, the Technical Advisory Committee, the Citizens Advisory Committee, and the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee reviewed the maps for the High Priority Needs. The Citizens Advisory Committee and the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee recommended that a bike lane connector from Whispering Pines Park to the SUNTrail (US 41) in Citrus County be added to the needs list.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
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LEGAL NOTE
Pursuant to Chapter 339.175, Florida Statutes, the Hernando/Citrus MPO Board has the authority to take the recommended action.
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended the Hernando/Citrus MPO Board review the consultant’s presentation and provide comments.