During the first phase of the I-4 Corridor Study, a work plan was developed identifying specific tasks to be accomplished and target dates to be achieved. The work program has evolved due to direction from the public, government and business advisors, and the core study team.  The BOCC is provided quarterly status reports on the progress of the I-4 Corridor Study. A core study team of participants were identified to provide input and expertise in the development of the Study. The participants of the core study team include staff members from local governments, agencies and other economic development organizations. Two advisors groups were also established consisting of citizens and community organizations, along with a business and government group. These two groups are utilized to advise the I-4 Corridor core study team on the Study’s direction along with providing input on critical issues particular to their areas of expertise. The core study team established its meeting schedule to meet bi-monthly and the two advisory groups meet every other month.

The first phase of the Study was to assess the existing conditions along the I-4 Corridor. The core study team established a base study area of 1 mile north and south of I-4, from the I-4/I-275 interchange to the Polk County line, a 52 square mile area. An initial map series was developed which included maps of existing land use, future land use, zoning, environmentally sensitive areas, roadways, utilities. Map coverage spans the jurisdictions of the City of Tampa, Plant City, Temple Terrace and the unincorporated Hillsborough County. Planning Commission and Planning and Growth Management websites provide project information to the general public.

A community open house was held on May 29, at Burnett Middle School in Seffner. This open house informed citizens on the I-4 Corridor Study and solicited input from the citizen regarding this study. There were approximately 100 people who attended the open house.

The core study team has developed detailed information and mapping of existing conditions including the following areas:

• Inventory mapping of roadways, ownership, zoning, land use and environmental features.
• Review of existing economic studies affecting the corridor.
• Review of Plant City Northeast Master Plan.
• Identified developable land along the corridor.
• Review adopted and current Community Plans along the corridor.
• Review transportation infrastructure plans of FDOT.
• Research industrial growth trends and workforce availability.
• Review utility availability needs (water, sewer, electric, gas and communications) and the Port Authorities Master Plan update.

A meeting of the Government and Business Advisors was held on July 16 at 4 pm in the County Center, 26th floor conference room. This meeting introduced the I-4 Corridor Study concept and presented the results of the inventory and date collection phase of the study. Additionally, the core study team received comments from the group on the Study’s direction along with other information regarding the appropriate development of industrial usage along the corridor. The inventory and base data collection phase was completed in July and the core study team began the data analysis phase in August. A second community advisors meeting was held on August 28, at the Trinkle Center in Plant City on the campus of Hillsborough Community College. Over 60 attendees were with presented information on the inventory and data collection phase of the Study including information on job sectors, land assessment and existing infrastructure in the corridor. However, there were considerable concerns expressed regarding citizen input in the study progress and the overall objective of the I-4 Corridor Study. Concern over the protection of environmental resources and allowing further sprawl into the rural area of the County was also expressed.

In the data analysis phase of the Study the core study team has analyzed the following areas:

• Workforce characteristics and availability
• Land availability and development potential
• Master plans of the port, water/sewer (City of Tampa, Hillsborough County, Plant City and the City of Temple Terrace)
• Private Utility Master Plans (TECO, Peoples Gas, Verizon)
• Comments received from citizens, business and government advisors
• Review City and County land and parcel inventory currently zoned for office, industrial, and research uses
• Define high wage/high value jobs
• Identify target industries
• Target Industries growth forecast
• Target Industries employer location preferences
• Review building permit data 2000-2008 for Industrial, Office, and Retail sectors
• Review the economic impact of various employment sectors