Sometimes you guys focus too much on what JTA is or isn't doing and forget about the bigger decisions that are being made for our region. Yesterday's meeting of the North Florida TPO was one of those days. Check the link for the story in the Daily Record.
http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=52384
So the big desicion was "staying the course"?
Another stellar show of statesmanship from our elected leaders.
To be fair, there is an argument that an MPO (which has no legislative authority when it comes to land use) should follow the adopted comprehensive plans of the local communities.
For those who want transit, don't despair just yet....remember the trend scenario has significant redevelopment of the downtown area....which means lots of trips to/from the suburbs....and in many cases, that will yield deficiencies on roads that can/will never be widened.
QuoteFor those who want transit, don't despair just yet....
Actually, you might want to dispair, after looking at the 2010 budget for Rail Development Grants:
Appropriation Category Governor's 2009-2010 Current Budget 2008-09 Difference
Rail Development / Grants $43,196,428.00 $265,343,649.00 $(222,147,221.00)
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So basically, here in Florida, there will be A LOT less money for rail in 2010. The Transportation budget was cut by 1 Billion, but you will be happy to know that the Medicare Budget was increased by 1.4 billion. ;)
http://peoplesbudget.state.fl.us/bdissuedetail.aspx?irnum=65&si=55100100
ok...but did you know that 20% of all Federal Transportation $ must go to transit?
In the case of our area, that's something like $500 million over the next 25 years....primarily for capital projects (transit stations, buses, rail, etc.)...plus there's Federal New Starts money (assuming your project is deemed worthy)....it takes quite a while to get that funding but nobody's suggesting that we start building rail tomorrow.
Of course, there's always local money....like the BJP funds reserved for transit....and, like many communities, the voters would probably have to agree to a tax increase (or continuation of BJP) and dedicate some/all of the revenue to transit.
Quoteok...but did you know that 20% of all Federal Transportation $ must go to transit?
No, I did not, and worse, I cannot find a link for that information, could you please provide one?
try this
http://www.dot.state.fl.us/financialplanning/
How will the new Federal Reauthorization affect our region's long-range planning?
(this also answer the 80% highway/20% transit question)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/13/AR2009051303687_pf.html
Quote(this also answer the 80% highway/20% transit question)
That's funny, in neither link was there a reference to the 80/20 issue. Could you please be more specific?
really....guess you missed this nugget in the Washington Post article...
"Another big question is how much the bill will provide for public transportation. As it now stands, 80 percent of federal transportation money goes to highways."