Bill Text

This package contains three legislative options:

1. The Regional Transportation Planning Authority Act is based on Florida SB 686, which was signed into law by Governor Jeb Bush on June 20, 2003 (F.S. Chapter 2003-159). The bill created the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) to replace the Tri-County Commuter Rail Authority and govern transportation planning in the three participating counties of Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach. SFRTA was created to provide a coordinated transportation system between the three counties in order to relieve traffic congestion and move residents and tourists more efficiently throughout the area.
2. The Transportation Allocation Act is based on SB 45, enacted in California in 1997. SB 45 dramatically increased the role of regional transportation planning agencies (RTPAs) and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) by allocating the majority of California’s transportation funds directly to local entities. Under SB 45, three-quarters of State Transportation Improvement Program funds (including all State Highway Account, Public Transportation Account, and federal transportation funds, minus state administrative and other costs) are committed to regional improvement programs – the remaining 25 percent funds interregional improvement programs administered by the state.
3. Diversifying State Transportation Trust Fund Programs – Increasing the flexibility of state transportation trust funds gives states more options for combating various transportation-related problems including congestion, dwindling air quality, and deteriorating highway infrastructure. It gives planning organizations more options in addressing these issues, such as creating and improving mass transit systems and establishing alternatives to traditional transportation, such as pedestrian and bicycle paths and park and ride lots. Most states still have not embraced the changes and growing trends in transportation demands and adopted necessary reforms to encourage desperately needed transportation improvements. Because of the variability in state transportation needs, a variety of creative approaches should be considered.