HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-04 TPO~T. LkJClE iJf~f3Cil~i f~if-iE11
RESOLUTION NO. 09-04
A RESOLUTION OF THE ST. LUCIE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING
ORGANIZATION REQUESTING THAT GOVERNOR CRIST AND FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY KOPELOUSOS
PRIORITIZE THE INTERCITY RAIL COMPONENT OF THE FEC
CORRIDOR PRO]ECT (FROM ]ACKSONVILLE TO MIAMI) AS PART OF
THE FEDERAL ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE FOR THE STATE OF
FLORIDA.
WHEREAS, the St, Lucie Transportation Planning Organization (St. Lucie TPO)
includes representatives from the City of Fort Pierce, the City of Port St, Lucie, the County
of St. Lucie, the School Board, and Community Transit~ and,
WHEREAS, the FEC corridor was historically operated as a passenger rail line along
Florida's east coast, traversing or providing rail connections to urban areas like the City of
Fort Pierce, the City of Port St. Lucie, and the County of St, Lucie; and,
WHEREAS, Florida's east coast historically develaped around train stations along the
FEC railroad; and,
WHEREAS, local governments and the private sector along Florida's east coast are
currently implementing programs to redevelop historic downtowns built around train
stations; and,
WHEREAS, improved mobility is highly desired in the City of Fort Pierce, the City of
Port St. Lucie, and the County of St. Lucie and throughout the State af Florida; and,
WHEREAS, transit, including rail transit, is a key component of improved mobility,
especially between cities and counties and throughout the Florida's east coast; and,
WHEREAS, the 2006 Florida Rail Plan identifies passenger transit along the FEC
corridor as a potential "Coastal Route" For new passenger rail service in the State of Florida;
and,
WHEREAS, Amtrak is well-suited to provide passenger rail service along Florida's
east coast; and,
WHEREAS, the reintroduction of Amtrak service alang Florida's east coast would
provide near-term jobs and economic stimulus far Florida's residents and businesses; and,
WHEREAS, the Federal Government is seeking appropriate projects for inclusion in
the Federal economic stimulus package to provide immediate and near-term job
opportunities for projects; and,
WHEREAS, the Intercity FEC Corridor Project (Jacksonville/Miami) is an appropriate
project for inclusion by the State of Florida in the American Recovery and Reinvestment
Plan; and,
WHEREAS, former work by Amtrak and FDQT includes plans for the improvements
necessary to initiate Amtrak service on the FEC corridor.
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NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the St. Lucie TPO requests that Governor
Crist and FDOT Secretary Kopelousos prioritize the Amtrak/FEC Corridar Praject (from
Jacksonville to Miami) as part of the Federal economic stimulus package for the State of
Florida.
DULY PASS~D AND ADOPTED this 3rd day of June, 2Q09.
Attest: St. Lucie Tra~s~or~ion~lanning Organizatian
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Sar~ a ard Charles Grande
S cretary Chairman
Approved as ta Form and Carrectness:
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HeatherYoung
St. Lucie TPO/Assistant Caunty Attorney
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