CITY OF HALLANDALE BEACH

MEMORANDUM

DATE:             July 23, 2008              

TO: D. Mike Good, City Manager

FROM: William M. Brant, P.E., Director, Public Works, Utilities and Engineering

SUBJECT:     95 Express Funds Resolution CAD#008/08

PURPOSE:

The Commission adopt a resolution urging some of the funds raised from 95 Express project be directed to transportation enhancement projects within Broward County.

BACKGROUND:

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has embarked upon the 95 Express program, which introduces express lanes on I-95 from downtown Miami to Broward Boulevard.  95 Express will operate as High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes, separated from regular traffic lanes, that drivers can choose to use when their time is more valuable than the toll they might pay.  Tolls will fluctuate, the goal being to keep traffic in the lanes moving at a speed of approximately 50 miles per hour.  While implementation of 95 Express has already begun in the southernmost portion of the project in Miami-Dade County, the construction and implementation in Broward County is not scheduled to be completed until 2010.

In its June 18, 2008 meeting, the Commission requested staff to draft a resolution pertaining to the utilization of funds received through the 95 Express project.

DISCUSSION:

Toll revenue will be used to

• Fund operations and maintenance cost for the express lanes and for an enhanced transit service
• Fund increased Florida Highway patrol enforcement and Road Ranger support for all I-95 users in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, and
• Pay off locally issued bonds used to fund portions of the construction costs.

Because many of the ones who will be paying tolls through this system either reside in Broward County or will benefit from enhanced transportation in Broward County, it is appropriate that some of the funds raised from this project be directed to transportation enhancement projects within Broward County.  Furthermore, the Broward County Metropolitan Planning Organization has been and continues to be a major supporter of the 95 Express project.

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt a resolution urging FDOT to direct funds raised from 95 Express to transportation enhancement projects within Broward County 

Reviewed:

_______________________________                                                          __________

D. Mike Good, City Manager                                                                           Date

 _____Approved                _____Disapproved                _____Hold for Discussion