Brightline has two planned stops on the Space Coast and Treasure Coast. Mr. Kordek
reviewed the planning studies that were completed by the MPOs in those communities to
support the stops. He also covered the amount of local funding and investment being put forth
to support these stops. Both stops are also seeking a significant amount of federal funding for
the construction of these stops. Mr. Kordek also informed the Board there is a similar stidy
currently underway and being led by the Hillsborough TPO to evaluate the proposed Brightline
stop in Downtown Tampa.
Mr. Kordek then reviewed what is being proposed for the Polk TPO’s study which is being
called the I-4 Intermodal Passenger Rail Station Planning and Feasibility Study. This study will
identify viable candidate station locations for high-speed rail along I-4. In doing so, the study
will look at a number of access and proximity factors such as existing and future land use,
infrastructure needs and costs, ridership market and catchment analysis and an economic
development analysis. The study will also include some conceptual planning and include an
implementation plan for the proposed locations. Public engagement will also be an important
component of the study. $500,000 of funding is available through the TPO’s planning funding
to conduct the study.
Motion: Motioned by Commissioner Robert-McCarley, seconded by Commissioner Madden.
Motion carried without dissent.
13. Review/Approve Draft TPO Resolution 2025-05 approving the Amended Fiscal Year
2024-25 - 2025/26 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) and Authorizing the TPO
Chair to Execute the Amended Metropolitan Planning Organization Funding Agreement
Ryan Kordek, TPO Executive Director, presented the UPWP Amendments which are based on
a prior fiscal year’s carryforward amount of nearly $900,000. Staff is proposing to allocate
these funds in current fiscal year in FY 2025/26. $500,000 is proposed to be allocated for
consultant services for the I-4 Intermodal Passenger Rail Station Planning and Feasibility Study
that was covered and approved in the previous agenda item. Additional funding is proposed to
be allocated to improving the PolkTPO.com website with data dashboards for safety and
transportation data statistics. Identifying roadway context classifications as defined by FDOT
for the roadways contained in the TPO’s Roadway Network Database is another project being
proposed. Staff is also proposing $100,000 be used for consultant services to assist staff in
preparing grant applications in support of the TPO’s unfunded priority transportation projects.
Commissioner Scott asked about the TDP update. Mr. Kordek stated there is no additional
funding or budget changes being recommended for the transit development plan (TDP) which
is nearly complete.
Commissioner Troutman asked if the TPO Roadway Network Database can include the
jurisdiction that is responsible for maintaining the road. Mr. Kordek responded that it is
possible with nearly all of the county’s major roads (1,500 miles) being maintained by either
FDOT, Polk County or one of the cities.
Motion: Motioned by Commissioner Scott, seconded by Commissioner Watts. Motion carried
without dissent.
