Tampa, FL (November 3, 2006) - The Hillsborough County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) received an Award of Merit for its Livable Roadways Guidelines from the Suncoast Chapter of the Florida American Planning Association. The award was presented last night at the Suncoast Chapter’s annual awards dinner at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.

The award recognizes an outstanding project or development that has occurred within the past two years that greatly contributes to the planning profession. The MPO is one of eight award recipients in a variety of categories.

The intent of the Livable Roadway Guidelines is to inspire a new approach to roadway design, emphasizing that our communities’ streets are significant public spaces for all modes of transportation; embracing the concept of moving people, not just cars, to enhance the ‘livability’ of roadways throughout Hillsborough County. The Livable Roadway Guidelines provide direction on how to enhance a person’s experience while using various methods of transportation on a roadway corridor (i.e. driving, walking, bicycling, etc.). The guidelines ensure consistency with local codes and ordinances while remaining flexible to meet the needs of a community.

Hillsborough County MPO Chair, Tampa City Councilman Shawn Harrison stated, “The MPO Board and staff are thrilled to be recognized for the hard work that was put into designing the Livable Roadway Guidelines. To be recognized by those in the planning profession is even more significant.”

Also recognized at the event was Mr. Leonard Plotkin for Outstanding Citizen Advocate. Mr. Plotkin is a board member of the Hillsborough County MPO Citizen Advisory Committee and works tirelessly to advocate for the persons with disabilities as well as working to raise awareness on transportation issues, particularity with regard to persons with disabilities. Mr. Plotkin is the current Chair of the Alliance for Citizens with disabilities in Hillsborough County and Vice Chair of the Hillsborough County Transportation Disadvantaged Coordinating Board.

The Hillsborough County MPO is responsible for the creation of the twenty-year Long Range Transportation Plan and the five-year Transportation Improvement Program. Federal and state laws mandate that the Hillsborough County MPO is responsible for establishing a continuing, cooperative and comprehensive transportation planning process for Hillsborough County. The Hillsborough County MPO works in conjunction with the Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission which provides support and staff to the MPO.