Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Beam Furr
Department: County Commission
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO ADOPT Resolution No. 2021-106 the title of which is as follows: (Commissioner Furr)
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, URGING THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO APPROVE SENATE BILL 1030 AND HOUSE BILL 763, REPEALING THE MULTI-USE CORRIDORS OF REGIONAL ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE (“M-CORES”) PROGRAM; URGING GOVERNOR RON DESANTIS AND THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO REALLOCATE FUNDS BUDGETED FOR THE M-CORES PROGRAM TO THE GENERAL REVENUE FUND; DIRECTING THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR TO PROVIDE A COPY OF THIS RESOLUTION TO THE OFFICIALS DESIGNATED HEREIN; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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Why Action is Necessary
Board approval is required for adoption of the proposed Resolution.
What Action Accomplishes
Adopts the proposed Resolution, directs its transmittal to the designated officials, and directs inclusion of the proposed policies described in the Resolution in the County’s 2021 State Legislative Program.
Is this Action Goal Related
No
Previous Action Taken
Summary Explanation/Background
In 2019, the Florida Legislature passed Senate Bill (SB) 7068, creating the Multi-Use Corridors of Regional Economic Significance (“M-CORES”) program, which bypasses the Florida Department of Transportation (“FDOT”) planning process for statewide highways through Florida’s Future Corridors program and FDOT’s annual five-year listing of approved transportation projects. Additionally, the M-CORES program circumvents critical stages of FDOT’s review processes for certain transportation projects, including preliminary determinations of need or economic feasibility. Projections by organizations such as Florida TaxWatch and 1000 Friends of Florida suggests potential M-CORES program projects such as the Wekiva Parkway could cost $26.4 billion or more, depending on how long they take to complete. In lieu of required funding of the M-CORES program, critical transportation and water quality projects statewide could have been fully funded. Funding of the M-CORES program has already resulted in reducing funding by more than $8.2 million for 31 projects that would have benefited Broward County residents. Further, unnecessary highway projects developed through the M-CORES program could have a devastating impact on Florida’s environment and natural habitats of endangered native species, such as the Florida panther.
The continued funding of the M-CORES program is contrary to FDOT’s key mission to provide a safe transportation system that ensures the mobility of people and goods, enhances economic prosperity, and preserves the quality of our environment and communities.
Senator Tina Polsky, who represents sections of Broward County, has sponsored Senate Bill (SB) 1030, which would repeal funding of the M-CORES program and make available needed resources to fund appropriate transportation projects in Florida. Representative Ben Diamond has sponsored House Bill (HB) 763, which is the Florida House companion to SB 1030.
This Resolution, if adopted, urges passage of SB 1030 and HB 763, urges Governor Ron DeSantis to cease funding for M-CORES, adds these policy goals to the County’s 2021 Legislative program, and directs that a copy of the Resolution be transmitted to Governor Ron DeSantis and the Broward Legislative Delegation.
Source of Additional Information
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
None.