State To Kick Off Planning Process For 3 New Toll Roads Tuesday

TAMPA, FL — The public will get its first look at a plan to build three new toll roads in Florida during a kickoff event Tuesday at the Tampa Convention Center.

The Florida Department of Transportation’s Multi-use Corridors of Regional Economic Significance, or M-CORES, task forces will meet for the first time on their quest to make recommendations on the toll road proposal spearheaded by Bradenton Republican Sen. Bill Galvano during the 2019 legislative session.

The projects are intended to spur economic growth in the state, particularly the rural areas, provide hurricane evacuation routes and relieve congestion. The new toll roads are also expected to accommodate different modes of transportation and include improvements such as broadband Internet access, water and sewer lines.

“Infrastructure is more than traditional transportation elements including roads, bridges, seaports and airports," said Galvano. "Infrastructure also includes utility and communication resources that provide access to clean water and reliable broadband connectivity. I am grateful to Governor DeSantis for partnering with the Florida Legislature to embrace an innovative approach to infrastructure that will enable Florida to strategically plan for future population growth, while at the same time revitalizing rural communities, protecting our unique natural resources and enhancing public safety.”

Among the senators throwing his support behind the measure was Sen. Tom Lee, a Republican from rural Thonotosassa.

“This legislation is a long-term investment that will provide numerous benefits to our state infrastructure," he said. "Regional connectivity not only enhances trade and tourism, but also mitigates congestion and provides additional evacuation routes. For residents in rural areas of our state, investment in broadband, water and sewer systems will improve the quality of life and the preservation of natural resources."

Senate Bill 7068 identified the three corridors in the M-CORES Program:

• Suncoast Connect: The Suncoast Parkway will be expanded from Citrus to the Georgia border in Jefferson County.
• Northern Turnpike Connector: The Florida Turnpike will extend west to connect to the Suncoast Parkway.
• Southwest-Central Florida Connector: A new toll road will be constructed from Polk to Collier County.

More than 100 local government officials, transportation and land use planners, business and agricultural representatives and environmentalists will be involved in the planning process.

The state will appropriate $45 million for the program during the 2019-20 fiscal year and increase to $90 million in 2020-21, $135 million in 2021-22 and then $140 million starting in 2022-23.

The law stipulates that the road projects must begin by Dec. 31, 2022 and open to traffic no later than Dec. 31, 2030.

Task Force members will begin meeting at 8 a.m. at the convention center. Public comment will open at 4:45 p.m.

There will also be comment stations set up at the convention center where the public can submit comments in writing or digitally.

For more information, visit FloridaMCORES.com.