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Lake County is hosting the public hearing for the Round Lake Road Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study. The purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate options for improving existing Round Lake Road from the Orange/Lake County line to Wolf Branch Road in Lake County and continuing the proposed improvements on a new alignment north of Wolf Branch Road to north of State Road 44. The Build Alternative is recommended, which will widen existing Round Lake Road from a two-lane roadway to a four-lane roadway from the Orange/Lake County line to Wolf Branch Road. This four-lane facility will continue on a new alignment north of Wolf Branch Road to north of State Road 44. The project length is approximately 4.75 miles.
The public hearing will be held as an agenda item as part of the Lake County Board of County Commissioners meeting scheduled on Tuesday, May 7, 2019 at the Lake County Administration Building in the Board Chambers (2nd floor), located at 315 W. Main Street, Tavares, Florida 32778. The County Commission meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the public hearing to be held after that time as determined by the Board meeting agenda. The hearing will focus on the Recommended (Build) Alternative. The No Build Alternative also will be presented. Notices are being sent to all property owners and tenants located within at least 300 feet on either side of the proposed recommended project as well as to other elected leaders, government agencies, and individuals interested in the project. The hearing is being conducted to give interested persons an opportunity to express their views concerning the social, economic, and environmental impacts of the proposed Round Lake Road improvements.
Oral statements can be made during the designated time during the public hearing. In addition, persons wishing to submit written comments, in place of or in addition to oral statements, may do so at the hearing or by sending them to George Gadiel, Project Manager, by either email (ggadiel@lakecountyfl.gov) or by mail (350 N. Sinclair Avenue, Tavares, FL 32778). All written statements emailed or postmarked by May 17, 2019 will become a part of the public hearing record.
Draft environmental and engineering reports will be available for review from April 16, 2019 through May 17, 2019 at the following locations:
1. W.T. Bland Public Library (Circulation Desk), 1995 N. Donnelly Street, Mount Dora, FL 32757;
2. Lake County Public Works, 350 N. Sinclair Avenue, Tavares, FL 32778; and
3. The study website – www.roundlakeroadstudy.com.
Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. Persons who require language translation or interpretive services, which are provided at no cost, or those requiring special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) may request assistance by contacting Fred Martin, Lake County Title VI/Nondiscrimination and ADA Coordinator, at 352.343.9676 or fmartin@lakecountyfl.gov at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting.
The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by Lake County pursuant to 23 U.S.C. §327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated December 14, 2016 as executed by FHWA and FDOT.