(Bartow, FL October 28, 2009) The Polk County Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) is developing a multimodal (roads, transit, multi-use trails, bicycle lanes and sidewalks) long range transportation plan for the year 2035. This planning effort, which has been named the “2035 Mobility Vision Plan,” will identify future transportation needs and present a vision for how transportation investments and policies will guide and promote the long term growth plan for the County. Mobility plans will be developed for drivers, transit users, pedestrians and bicyclists, making certain that the overall transportation system will operate safely and successfully into the future. The TPO would like to know what transportation issues residents think are most important. Residents are encouraged to rate Polk’s future transportation needs by going online and filling out the 2035 Mobility Vision Plan survey at www.2035 mobilityvisionplan.org. Once on the website, click “participate” and then “take our survey.” Responses will help guide the transportation planning process.
The Polk County TPO is required by federal and state law to update the Long Range Transportation Plan every five years. The ongoing effort is an update to the currently adopted 2030 Long Range Transportation Plan and will be complete by the end of 2010. Over the course of the 2035 Mobility Vision Plan development, the TPO will be conducting outreach and coordination activities with community stakeholders and government and agency planning partners.
The Polk Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) is the lead transportation planning agency for Polk County. It develops transportation plans and programs for Polk County as mandated by federal and state legislation. These plans are intended to meet our community’s short and long term travel needs. Transportation projects such as road widening projects or bus service expansions, are planned and programmed (with federal and state funding) by the TPO in cooperation with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), transportation operators and local governments. Staff support is provided by the Growth Management Department of the Polk County Board of County Commissioners.
The TPO provides a forum for joint decision-making regarding countywide transportation issues. The forum is made up of a 19-member policy board of local elected officials, staff, and advisory committees. The member governments include the Polk County Board of County Commissioners and the cities of Lakeland, Winter Haven, Auburndale, Bartow, Haines City, Lake Wales, Fort Meade, Mulberry, Frostproof, Lake Alfred, Dundee, Eagle Lake, Davenport, Polk City, and Lake Hamilton. Other public agencies such as the Central Florida Regional Planning Council, and the Florida Departments of Community Affairs (DCA), Environmental Protection (DEP), and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), are also represented on its advisory committees. For additional information visit, www.polktpo.com or call (863) 534-6486.