The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will conduct a meeting of the Florida Multi-use Corridors of Regional Economic Significance (M-CORES) Task Force for the Southwest Central Florida Connector extending from Collier County to Polk County,...

 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) announces a public meeting to which all persons are invited.

DATE AND TIME: Tuesday, August 25, 2020, 9:00 a.m.

PLACE: See Meeting Notice

GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED: The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will conduct a meeting of the Florida Multi-use Corridors of Regional Economic Significance (M-CORES) Task Force for the Southwest Central Florida Connector extending from Collier County to Polk County, on Tuesday, August 25, 2020, 9:00 a.m.

The agenda of this meeting will include:

• Discuss how Task Force recommendations will be used to identify and narrow paths/courses

• Provide update on recommendations framework and work plan

• Establish initial consensus on Guiding Principles

• Discuss draft Instructions for project development and beyond

• Review draft Task Force report sections

with focus on High-Level Needs

• Receive public comment

There will be two different ways to participate in this meeting: on-line (virtually) using GoToWebinar and in-person. Registration for the public to participate online is available at www.FloridaMCORES.com/events-calendar by clicking on the date of the meeting.

In addition, two in-person locations will be available for public viewing for those who wish to participate in person. These viewing locations are: Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center, 75 Taylor St, Punta Gorda, FL 33950

Bert Harris Agricultural Center Auditorium, 4509 George Boulevard, Sebring, FL 33870

Members of the public wishing to provide live comments may sign up to do so through the GoToWebinar format no later than 4:00 p.m., the day of the meeting or by completing a speaker card at either of the in-person viewing locations. Public comments will be taken at 5:00 p.m. through GoToWebinar and subsequently from the physical locations. Public comments will be limited to three minutes per person whether given as part of the online format or at one of the in-person locations. Comments also may be submitted anytime to [e-mail]. 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 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

In addition, FDOT encourages those who are unable to attend an in-person event or participate virtually to submit their feedback via email to [e-mail], online at FloridaMCORES.com, or by mail to 605 Suwannee St, MS 54, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0450.

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.

Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. People who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Marlon Bizerra at [e-mail] or 1[phone]. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1(800)955-8771 (TDD) or 1(800)955-8770 (Voice).

A copy of the agenda may be obtained by contacting: Marlon Bizerra at [e-mail] or 1(863)519-2250.

For more information, you may contact: www.FloridaMCORES.com.