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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDocumentation_Regular_Tab 19_04/09/2009TR~~ASLZR To: Treasure Coast Region Local GovernmAe~nts From: Michael J. Busha, Executive Director ~UI`~ Date: March 23, 2009 N_NING COUNCI_ .. __ ~ -- ,ACH : = `ST:._ LU,.CLE - Subject: Resolution Supporting the Inclusion of the Intercity Rail Component of the Florida East Coast (FEC) Corridor Project as part of Florida's Economic Stimulus Plan At its March 20, 2009 meeting, Council passed Resolution 09-04 (attached) in support of the inclusion of the Intercity Rail Component of the Florida East Coast Corridor project as part of Florida's economic stimulus plan. The project consists of train track and local train station improvements necessary to put passenger service back on the FEC rail line via Amtrak. Council is requesting that its local governments adopt a similar resolution (sample attached) and forward a copy to those listed below. The Honorable Charlie Crist, Governor State of Florida, The Capitol 400 S. Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001 Ms. Stephanie Kopelousos Secretary of Transportation Florida Department of Transportation 605 Suwannee Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-0450 Michael J. Busha, Executive Director Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council 421 S W Camden Avenue Stuart, Florida 34994 If you need additional information or assistance please call. Thank you. Attachments "Bringing Communities Together" Est. 1976 4 2 1 S. W. Camden Avenue - Stuart , F l o r i d a 3 4 9 9 4 Phone (772) 221-4060 - Fax (772) 221-4067 - www.tcrpc.org MEMORANDUM Resolution 09-04 TREASURE COAST REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL MEMORANDUM To: Council Members AGENDA ITEM 7 From: Staff Date: March 20, 2009 Council Meeting Subject: Resolution Supporting the Inclusion of the Intercity Rail Component of the Florida East Coast (FEC) Corridor Project as part of Florida's Economic Stimulus Plan Introduction The purpose of this item is to have Council adopt a resolution supporting the inclusion of the Intercity Rail component of the FEC Corridor Project (from Jacksonville to Miami) as part of Florida's economic stimulus plan. The project would enable Amtrak to operate passenger train service on the FEC Corridor between Jacksonville and Miami. Reintroducing passenger service on the FEC Corridor has been a high priority for Council since the early 1990s. The Strategic Regional Policy Plan encourages the creation of a balanced and integrated transportation system, with strong emphasis on a regional mass transit system. Since 1994, Council has adopted a number of resolutions supporting passenger transit on the FEC, within the Region and beyond, to complement on-going redevelopment efforts, improve mobility, and expand economic development opportunities (see Attachments A, B, C). Council's Model Economic Stimulus Project list included as part of the staff report to Council for the February 20, 2009 meeting specifically includes putting passenger rail service back on the FEC as an initiative that should be funded (see Attachment D). Back rg ound In early 2000, Amtrak, FEC, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and regional authorities agreed to a service concept to reintroduce passenger rail along Florida's east coast on the FEC Corridor. Thirteen preliminary station locations, primarily in downtowns, were identified between Jacksonville and West Palm Beach, including Stuart, Fort Pierce, and Vero Beach. The new Amtrak long-distance service was anticipated to utilize existing FEC tracks, with limited additional track sidings as needed. An interconnection in West Palm Beach between the FEC and Chessie and Seaboard (CSX) tracks would be required to accomplish Amtrak service south to Miami. This general alignment is included in the 2006 Florida Rail Plan, which was developed by the FDOT, as a potential "East Coast Route" for long distance and new corridor rail service (carrier unspecified), and illustrated in the map economic development in coastal cities. Amtrak's regional rail service would complement the existing Tri-Rail service (commuter rail) as well as the intensive service proposed on the FEC Corridor in Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade. Recent discussions with Amtrak representatives suggest good potential for this project to be advanced if included as part of Florida's request for Federal economic stimulus money. Moving this project forward will require the State of Florida to include the Intercity FEC Corridor Project (Jacksonville/Miami) as part of its Federal economic stimulus request. The request should be initiated by FDOT, and Council should promote support among the Region's Legislative and Congressional delegation, the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) and affected local governments along the FEC Corridor. If needed, Council staff would be available to assist with gathering land use, economic, and other relevant data as well as coordination with FDOT, the SFRTA, and other agencies as necessary. Council draft Resolution 09-04 which supports making this request, is included with this staff report. Recommendation It is recommended that Council: 1) adopt Resolution 09-04 supporting the inclusion of the Intercity FEC Corridor Project (Jacksonville/Miami) as part of Florida's request for Federal economic stimulus money; 2) transmit the resolution to the Governor, the Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation, and Florida's Legislative and Congressional delegation; and 3) transmit the resolution to FDOT District 4, the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority, and affected local governments along the Florida East Coast Railway Corridor, with a request to adopt similar resolutions of support. Attachments 3 RESOLUTION 09-04 A RESOLUTION OF THE TREASURE COAST REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL REPRESENTING THE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS OF INDIAN RIVER, MARTIN, PALM BEACH, AND ST. LUCIE COUNTIES, FLORIDA REQUESTING THE ASSISTANCE OF GOVERNOR CRIST AND FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY KOPELOUSOS TO PRIORITIZE THE INTERCITY RAIL COMPONENT OF THE FEC CORRIDOR PROJECT (FROM JACKSONVILLE TO MIAMI) AS PART OF THE FEDERAL ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE FOR THE STATE OF FLORIDA WHEREAS, the FEC corridor was historically operated as a passenger rail line along Florida's east coast, traversing the Treasure Coast Region; and WHEREAS, cities along Florida's east coast historically developed around train stations along the FEC railroad; and WHEREAS, modern cities 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 Treasure Coast Region and throughout the State of Florida; and WHEREAS, transit, including rail transit, is a key component of improved mobility, especially between cities and throughout the Region; 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, station locations in the Treasure Coast Region should include a minimum of Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, Stuart, and West Palm Beach; and WHEREAS, the reintroduction of Amtrak service along Florida's east coast would provide near-term jobs and economic stimulus for 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 EEC 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 FDOT includes plans for the improvements necessary to initiate Amtrak service on the FEC corridor; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council requests the assistance of Governor Crist and FDOT Secretaxy Kopelousos to prioritize the Amtrak/FEC Corridor Project (from Jacksonville to Miami) as part of the Federal economic stimulus package for the State of Florida. The Chair thereupon declared the Resolution duly passed and adopted this 20th day of March 2009. Attest: Gary C. eeler, Chairman Michael J. Busha, Executive Director Sample Resolution RESOLUTION 09- A RESOLUTION OF THE (NAME OF ORGANIZATION) REQUESTING THE ASSISTANCE OF GOVERNOR GRIST AND FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY KOPELOUSOS TO PRIORITIZE THE INTERCITY RAIL COMPONENT OF THE FEC CORRIDOR PROJECT (FROM JACKSONVILLE TO MIAMI) AS PART OF THE FEDERAL ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE FOR THE STATE OF FLORIDA 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 (County/Cit /~); and WHEREAS, Florida's east coast historically developed 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 (County/Cit /~cT) and throughout the State of Florida; and WHEREAS, transit, including rail transit, is a key component of improved mobility, especially between cities 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 along Florida's east coast would provide near-term jobs and economic stimulus for 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 FDOT includes plans for the improvements necessary to initiate Amtrak service on the FEC corridor; NOW THEREFORE SE IT RESOLVED THAT: (NAME OF ORGANIZATION) requests the assistance of Governor Crist and FDOT Secretary Kopelousos to prioritize the Amtrak/FEC Corridor Project (from Jacksonville to Miami) as part of the Federal economic stimulus package for the State of Florida. The Chair thereupon declared the Resolution duly passed and adopted this day of 2009. Attest: (Name) Chairman/Mayor (Name) Title