Roadway Transfer Agreement and Resolution to Change Official Street Names (Regular) – Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and Pasco County – State Road 54 from State Road 581 to US Highway 301 and State Road 581 from State Road 56 to State Road 54/Wesley Chapel Boulevard - No Funding Required

29:58P forty four. We have proof of publication of the hearing of this matter on the January fifteenth. 2025 edition of the Tampa Bay Times.

30:09All right, P forty four.

30:12Been

30:12waiting,

30:13Nick.

30:15Good afternoon,

30:16Commissioners.

30:17Uh Nick Uren, County Engineer. And yes, this has been a long time coming.

30:24Let's see.

30:29Briefly, pre-a brief presentation on this. We're we're taking ownership from the state of two corridors, State Road 581, also known as Bruce B. Downs, between 56 and 54, and then all of State Road 54 from Bruce Bowns to US 301. The uh map on the screen shows you the limits of the jurisdictional transfer and I should say we are taking jurisdiction, not ownership. I had our county attorney. Staff correct me on my language previously. We are taking accepting jurisdictional

31:00responsibility. Uh wanna mention too, as part of this agreement What I'm calling DOT parting gifts. There will be three different projects that will be accomplished by the Department of Transportation by F DOT. After the transfer occurs. They are going to be resurfacing Bruce B. Downs, they're going to be resurfacing a portion of uh State Road 54 at the west end, and they're going to be resurfacing a portion of State Road 54 at the east end. I also wanted to mention that they had recently completed earlier this actually

31:31this past calendar year they completed the widening to four lanes of the middle section of 54. So we're getting a facility, a set of facilities that are in very good condition as a result of this transfer agreement.

31:42I do have a question. Um where are we on the on the widening of um Wesley Chapel Boulevard? Oh no, that's Bruce B. Downs, never mind. But I do have that question. But not

31:52so Wesley Chapel Boulevard, the widening west of I seventy five is under construction.

31:57Okay, good.

31:59Madam Chair.

32:00Yeah, this is awesome.

32:01Well, I don't know if it's awesome or not because the next resurfacing we're gonna have to take care of. So I'm just wondering, I'm not gonna do that.

32:08We're trading fifty six for all of this.

32:10But I mean why w why w I don't understand why five eighty one's in the mix. Five eighty one goes north south and it goes all the way down.

32:20We did that on the right-of-way. It's not a mile for

32:21mile, but what I think what you end up with is the agreement to construct fifty six as a continuous corridor from Bruce B downs to three oh one was in exchange for the removal of this core continuous corridor, which is a combination of two roads. So it it was an established trade in exchange for the construction of fifty six. Does Hillbill maintain

32:44Bruce B. Downs

32:46We already maintain Bruce B down to the side. I mean south of the county line. South to the county line is already ours. Okay. Then that's why.

32:55But we're getting in good shape.

33:00Okay. Um So do I need to take public comment on this one?

33:04Yes. We have one person signed up Rachel uh Torres.

33:08Okay. Come on up, Rachel.

33:14Rachel Torres, [address removed]. And I Wes Warnen.

33:22Thank you.

33:22I'm a student at St. Petersburg College, pursuing a degree in public policy administration. The proposed transfer of portions of State Road 54 and State Road 581 from the Florida Department of Transportation to our County represents a significant opportunity for local governance and development. By assuming responsibility for these roadways, we gain greater independence and planning decision making that directly impacts our infrastructure. This means

33:52we can make timely decisions without needing state approval, allowing us to respond more effectively to the needs of our residents and businesses. Such control is essential for implementing improvements that enhance traffic flow, safety, and accessibility. These transitions align with the vision for expanding residential communities within the area. With direct oversight of these roadways, we can better integrate transportation planning with residential

34:23development, ensuring new neighborhoods are well connected and supported by adequate infrastructure. Addressing housing shortages is a critical priority and having the ability to streamline the development process will enable us to create more housing options efficiently. This will provide much needed relief to families seeking homes for to and contribute to the overall growth and vitality of our community. Having jurisdiction

34:54over these roadways allows us to implement traffic flow improvements tailored specifically to our community needs. We can prioritize projects that reduce congestion, enhance safety, and improve overall mobility of our residents. Effective traffic management will not only make daily commute smoother, but also support economic activity by ensuring goods and services can move more freely through the county. This proactive approach to

35:24traffic planning will contribute to a higher quality of life for our residents and make our community more attractive attractive to potential new residents and businesses. Overall, the transfer of these roadways is a pivotal step towards building a stronger, more connected, and more livable county. Thank you.

35:44Well done. Thank you very much.

35:47Rachel, before you go? Angel, would you stand up here for a second? I just want to tell you a little bit about these two right here. When when the storm was coming in And uh I was going around the m first morning of it and I got stuck. doing from like three different things and I got to a fourth place where I had the ninety seven year old veteran and ninety nine year old veteran. Um The day before Angel had said to me, he says, You know, if you need any help, let me know. So after about probably about hour and a half or two of my own, just tear tearing out carpet and whatever, I

36:17called them up. They were there with like fifteen minutes. They stayed with me for the whole day till dark. Wow. Back the next day to finish the job off with these two veterans, could live in their house without any any interruption whatsoever. They then helped all through the weeks coming up through the Eagles, C Ranch, whatever was needed, they were there. And I just want to thank you guys publicly for what you did. So thank you.

36:41Thank you very much. Good job. Okay, so I'll take it is there anyone else? Take a motion.

36:48Move approval. So I got it.

36:50All in favor? Aye. Aye. Opposed. Okay. That And our public hearing for today.

36:57Doing good, Commissioner.

36:59Thank you. And we're on to you, Commissioner.