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1. VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING:
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA
AGENDA ITEM TRANSMITTAL FORM
Meeting Date:
5/14/09 Meeting Type: Regular Ordinance #: Click here to enter text.
Consent Agenda: Choose an item. Resolution #: 12-09
Originating Department: Village Council
2. AGENDA ITEM TITLE: (Wording form the SUBJECT line of your staff report)
During the 4/9/09 Council Meeting, Consensus of Council agreed to have Commissioner Karen Marcus, who
planned to attend the May Council Meeting, discuss this item in further detail. Council directed that a
Resolution be written and placed on the May agenda.
3. BUDGET /FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Account #: Click here to enter text. Amount of this item: Click here to enter text.
Current Budgeted Amount Available: Amount Remaining after item:
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Budget Transfer Required: Choose an Appropriate Fund Balance: Choose an item.
ite_
4. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF MAJOR ISSUES: (This is a snap shot description of the agenda item)
5. APPROVALS: _
~1 1
DeNt. Head: 1u.~~~ Finance Director: ^ Reviewed for Financial
Sufficiency
No Financial Impact
Attorney: (for legal sufficiency) Yes ^ No ^
Village Manager: ~~`
• SUBMIT FOR COUNCIL DISCUSSION:
• APPROVE ITEM: ^
• DENY ITEM: ^
Form amended 08/26/08
RESOLUTION 12-09
A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA 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 or providing rail connections to urban areas like
Tequesta; 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 Tequesta 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 BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
The Village of Tequesta requests the assistance of Governor Crist and FDOT Secretary
Kopelousos to prioritize the Amtrak/FEC Corridor Project (from JacksonviAe to Miami) as
part of the Federal economic stimulus package for the State of Florida.
MEMORANDUM
To: Treasure Coast Region Local GovernmAe~nts
From: Michael J. Busha, Executive Director ~Ule~
Date: March 23, 2009
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 ivlarch 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 SW 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 , Florida 3 4 9 9 4
Phone (772) 221-4060 - Fax (772) 221-4067 - www.tcrpc.org
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
graphic titled "Figure 5.6 Florida Intercity Passenger Rail Service Vision Plan ~ Coastal
Route" (identified in blue on the map).
Negotiations were nearly completed between
Amtrak, FD®T, and the FEC. However, in 2002,
the Federal government directed Amtrak to suspend
negotiations pending revisions to Amtrak's budget
and debt structure. It is Council's understanding
the Federal loan provisions have been satisfied, and
Amtrak began investigating new service alignments
last year. In 2008, Amtrak's budget was nearly
doubled to $13 Billion over five years (2009
through 2014), allowing the carrier to better expand
its operations. The January 2009 economic
stimulus legislation directs an additional $8 Billion
to states specifically to develop new corridor and
long distance services and is being acted upon by
states across the country.
Anal
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Council discussions with Amtrak representatives indicate the Amtrak/FEC Corridor Project
(Jacksonville to Miami) could be an appropriate project for Florida to request as part of the
Federal economic stimulus package termed the "American Recovery and Reinvestment
Plan." New long distance and intercity corridor service would complement on-going efforts
in southeastern Florida, such as the current Tri-Rail service or potential new service to be
recommended by the South Florida East Coast Corridor (SFECC) Study. The SFECC study
is evaluating new service in the 85-mile FEC segment in Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-
Dade counties.
The cost to carry out the Amtrak/FEC Corridor Project is estimated to be approximately $100
million. It should be noted that an Amtrak project would compete for a different source of
Federal funding than either Tri-Rail or the SFECC project (Federal Railroad Administration
funding versus Federal Transit Administration funding). Further, aJacksonville/Miami
Amtrak project would likely include an interconnection between the FEC and CSX tracks in
Palm Beach County, which could shift this capital expense away from a future SFECC-
recommended service, thereby improving the cost/benefit ratio for a Palm Beach/Miami FEC
service.
Conclusion
The reintroduction of passenger transit on the FEC Corridor throughout the Region is an
important component of the successful and sustainable redevelopment of the Region. The
reintroduction of passenger transit on the FEC Corridor has been a high priority of the
Council for nearly two decades. As part of a larger state-wide transit system, expanded
Amtrak service could provide enhanced inter- and intra-regional mobility as well as
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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
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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 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 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 betweeri 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
~IIEI~AS, 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
WIIEfl2EAS, former work by Amtrak and FDOT includes plans for the improvements
necessary to initiate Amtrak service on the FEC corridor;
lit®W 'I'IiEI~F®I~ BE IT ~S®I.,VE~ 'I'I-IA'I'a
The Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council 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 20th day of
March 2009.
L-L~G~c~`--~
Gary C. eeler, Chairman
Attesta
s'%'` l/ ~~''
Michael J. Busha, Executive Director
DRAFT
Subject to modifications
Council Attorney: Roger Saberson
The Executive Director announced a quorum was present.
PUBLIC COMIVIIIVT
Rosa Durando noted the Beat progess that has been made by the counties and cities in developing
approved gowth management plans. She stated that gowth does not pay for itself, and the
proliferation of development, whether needed or demanded, in her opinion, was solely the
discretion of developers and their connections to elected public officials. She stated that the
overdevelopment has affected not only the tax base, but the environment as well. She noted a study
by Woody Wodraska, a previous Deputy Director of the South Florida Water Management District,
that called for a link between regional planning councils and the water management districts in
order the have intelligent planning. She asked that Council make intelligent planningdecisions and
that badplanning examples could be found in Palm Beach County.
Alexandria Larson expressed her desire for more ethics and disclosure in politics. She stated that
density and intensity have caused the problems we are experiencing today with the overbuilding and
overgowth. She noted her disdain that she was unable to get answers at a recent Water Resources
Task Force meeting on the elevations for areas of Palm Beach County experiencing flooding.
AGINDA AND CONSENT AGINDA
Commissioner Smith moved approval of the Agenda and Consent Agenda. Staff requested that Item Motion
SB, Minutes February 9, 2009, be pulled for modification. Commissioner Smith amended his
motion to include removal of Item SB. Commissioner Marcus seconded the amended motion, which
carried unanimously.
Items remaining on the Consent Agenda were: SA, Financial Report -January 31, 2009; SC,
Boynton Beach Comprehensive Plan Amendments DCA Ref# 09-1; SD, Lake Clarke Shores
Comprehensive Plan Amendments DCA Ref#09-IER; SE, Lake Worth Comprehensive Plan
Amendments DCA Ref#09RWSP-l; and SF, Intergovernmental Coordination and Review Log
MINUTES -FEBRUARY 20, 2009
Staff noted the draft minutes were modified in order to clarify Council discussion with respect to
the Development of Regional Impact process under proposed Senate Bill 360. Commissioner Motion
Marcus moved adoption of the minutes as amended. Commissioner Smith seconded the motion,
which carried unanimously.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Staff noted there would be a Budget/Personnel Committee meeting immediately following the
Council meetingto review a proposed budget amendment for the 2008-2009 Fiscal Year.
Staff provided information with respect to a Transit Oriented Development Charrette that will be
taking place March 20 -March 27. The charrette will focus on a location for a Tri-Rail station in
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DRAFT
Subject to modifications
Palm Beach Gardens. Flyers with event information were distributed to Councilmembers and made
available to the public.
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE INCLUSION OF THE INTERCITY RAIL
COMPONINT OF THE FLORIDA EAST COAST (FEC) CORRIDORPROJECT AS PART
OF FLORIDA'S ECONOMIC STIMiJLUS PLAN
Commissioner Marcus moved adoption of the proposed resolution. Mayor Golonka seconded the
motion. Motion
Staff noted an addendum to the Resolution. This addendum was requested by the St. Lucie
Transportation Planning Organization's Director, Peter Buchwald, and includes a Whereas clause to
identify station locations in Vero Beach, Stuart, Fort Pierce and West Palm Beach. Councilmember Amended
Trias thanked staff for this additional clause noting the efforts that have been made previously to Motion
have a Fort Pierce station location. Commissioner Marcus amended her motion to include the
addendum presented by staff.
Nancy Amerson of Commercial Contracting Development noted for Council that her firm was
originally selected in 2002 to design and build the station location in Stuart before the funding was
withdrawn for theproject. She provided exhibits illustratingthe proposed master plan.
Commissioner Koons requested staff contact Debbie Hunt, the Assi~ant Secretary for Intermodal
Systems Development at the Florida Department of Transportation, to request the inclusion of a
Fort Pierce station in the new state longrange plan.
Commissioner Smith noted a presentation ~ George LeMieu~ former Chief of Staff for Governor
Crist, at the Martin County Economic Council meeting at which passenger rail service on the
Florida East Coast Corridor was identified as a project of interest. Commissioner Koons stated Mr.
LeMieux's firm was awarded a million dollar contract to enter into negotiations with the Florida
Department of Transportation and the Florida East Coast Railway. He reported that there still needs
to be a funding source identified. Commissioner Smith expressed his appreciation of the support of
the Governor on this issue.
Commissioner Solari asked if there were any financial analyses for funding the rail service once the
stimulus dollars are spent. Staff noted the only financial analysis was Amtrak's estimation of the
cost of the construction. Commissioner Solari stated that he would find it difficult to support
spending large amounts of money on mass transit as the low density in Indian River County does
not call for it. Staff noted that this project is being funded by the federal government and would be
an Amtrak operation.
Chairman Wheeler called for a vote on the motion, which carried with Commissioner Solari
dissenting
UPDATE ON WATER SUPPLY FACILITY PLANNING - PRESENTATION BY LINDA
HOPPES, LEAD PLANNER, SOUTH FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
Staff noted this agenda item is in response to a Council request to provide a status report of the
Region's statutory requirement for local government water supply facility planning.
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