The Planning Commission, the local planning agency responsible for coordinating with each of the four jurisdictions in Hillsborough County, was unanimous in voting for the resolution.  While the resolution does not call for a specific solution to our transportation issues, it does indicate a need to address these issues and examine all opportunities.  Ramond Chiaramonte, Assistant Executive Director, states “This resolution is intended to look forward not just to 2025 but 2050 and determine what are our best opportunities to coordinate our continued growth with transportation.”

 

It is anticipated that by 2025 Hillsborough County will add an additional 400,000 residents.  This is the equivalent of adding a city the size of Atlanta or Oakland within Hillsborough County.  It is also anticipated that the central area of Tampa will generate an additional increase of traffic not just locally but regionally as residents of Pinellas and Pasco county commute into Hillsborough County for their employment.

 

“This is not just a transportation issue,” notes chairman Bruce Cury, “but an economic development issue.  Flexibility in transit choices is an asset to any community seeking to draw potential businesses to an area.” 

 

Many in the audience supported this statement as several spoke in support of rail.  A broad cross-section of the county attended last night’s special meeting to voice their support of this resolution and speak out on the need for a transit solution.  The capacity filled boardroom overflowed into several other rooms as staff tried to accommodate the many citizens in attendance.

 

The resolution passed by the Planning Commission encourages all local governments to determine the need, viability, implications and benefits of rail in the county.  The resolution’s policy statement supports a multi-modal approach toward transit, it also encourages local governments to work together in anticipating the long-term growth of the county and identify alternative forms of transportation for the area.