Trenton hosting open house to discuss the Suncoast Connector tomorrow

Florida Multi-Use Corridors of Regional Economic Significance (M-CORES) Suncoast Connector, which extends from Citrus County to Jefferson County.
Florida Multi-Use Corridors of Regional Economic Significance (M-CORES) Suncoast Connector, which extends from Citrus County to Jefferson County.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is hosting a public meeting on Sept. 29th from 5:30 p.m. in Trenton to share information about the Florida Multi-Use Corridors of Regional Economic Significance (M-CORES) Suncoast Connector, which extends from Citrus County to Jefferson County.
The purpose of the Community Open House is to provide an opportunity for the public to view information presented at the Task Force meetings for the Suncoast Connector.
 
There will be two different ways for the public to participate in this open house: in-person and online (virtual). The in-person Community Open House will take place at the Gilchrist County Women’s Club, 2107 S. Bronson Memorial Hwy (CR 339), Trenton, FL 32693, on Tuesday, Sept. 29 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  Attendees will be able to view displays, speak to project staff, and submit handwritten comments.
 
Those wishing to view the same materials online (virtual) without visiting the Community Open House can visit www.FloridaMCORES.com anytime beginning Tuesday, Sept. 29th.
 
Comments can be submitted through the website, by email to FDOT.Listens@dot.state.fl.us, or by mail to 605 Suwannee St, MS 54, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0450. All comments will be part of the public record.
Public engagement is a critical element of the M-CORES program. Both in-person and online (virtual) options are now offered for all M-CORES events and meetings. As safety remains FDOT’s top priority, enhanced safety and sanitation measures will continue to be taken at all in-person M-CORES events, including:
• Using CDC-recommended products to sanitize high-touch areas before, during and after the
event
• Requiring all FDOT and consultant staff to wear masks
• Requesting that all attendees wear masks
• Providing hand sanitizer and masks for attendees
• Limiting the number of people in a room at one time to 50
• Utilizing signage and other tools to facilitate social distancing
• Implementing the use of single use sign-in materials and speaker cards
The Florida Department of Transportation may adopt the result of this planning effort into the environmental review process, pursuant to Title 23 U.S.C. § 168(4)(d) for the state project development process.
 
Questions about the project can be directed to Ryan Asmus at yan.Asmus@dot.state.fl.us, or (386) 961-7443. For more information, please visit www.FloridaMCORES.com. 
 
The Multi-use Corridors of Regional Economic Significance (M-CORES) program is intended to revitalize rural communities, encourage job creation and provide regional connectivity while leveraging technology, enhancing the quality of life and public safety, and protecting the environment and natural resources. The program was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis on May 17, 2019.
 
The Florida Legislature charged Task Forces throughout the with providing recommendations and evaluations in a final report by November 15, 2020, which will guide the Florida Department of Transportation in its subsequent study phases through the implementation of high-level needs, guiding principles, and instructions.
 
See the list of Task Force members here.
 
The mission of the Suncoast Connector Task Force is to evaluate the Suncoast Connector corridor, which extends from Citrus County to Jefferson County. The task force will work in coordination with the Florida Department of Transportation to address the need for the corridor and its potential economic and environmental impacts.
 
The task force may consider and recommend innovative ways to combine right-of-way acquisition with the acquisition of lands or easements to facilitate environmental mitigation or ecosystem, wildlife habitat or water quality protection or restoration. The task force will specifically study how project design and land acquisition can mitigate the impact of construction on the water quality and quantity of springs, rivers and aquifer recharge areas; agricultural land uses; and wildlife habitat.
 
The proposed Suncoast Connector will impact Citrus, Levy, Gilchrist, Dixie, Lafayette, Taylor, Madison and Jefferson counties. Click here to see the map.

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