The Florida Department of Transportation released new plans Friday, that would improve environmental and transportation opportunities in economically significant transportation corridors in the state.
Part of the proposed Multi-use Corridors of Regional Economic Significance (M-CORES) project the new plan would enhance the roadways and add to the environmental features within the project.
“To strategically prepare for Florida’s future growth, enhancements to the state’s existing transportation system should always be a part of the plan,” Florida DOT Secretary Kevin J. Thibault, P.E. said. “The initial enhancement options will help preserve our natural resources and better serve our residents and visitors. We look forward to additional input from the task forces as they work toward submitting their recommendations this October.
The enhancements would include: more wildlife crossings that are connected to one another and other elements to prevent interactions with wildlife along the corridors; conservation areas that are expanded and connected to one another; improvements to water flow; expanded multi-use trails that are connected to one another, and protecting utility right-of-ways.
The enhancements will be funded through tolled and non-tolled options.
By October, the M-Cores task forces in the state’s three different corridors – the Suncoast Connector, Northern Turnpike Connector, and the Southwest-Central Florida Connector will have to evaluate their area’s projected needs, as well as the impacts the enhancements may have on their area’s economy, environment, hurricane evacuation, and land use. The task forces will also consider any written public statements about the corridors provided to FDOT.