by David Chapman
Staff Writer
The first dedicated workshop and initial discussion about the creation of a regional transportation authority took place Thursday when several members of the North Florida Transportation Planning Organization met.
The two-hour discussion included topics such as the potential composition of a governing board, funding, responsibilities and authorities of the regional organization.
“We aren’t just going to push a button and it will happen,” said Dick Brown, NFTPO chair and Neptune Beach mayor. “But we owe it to the public to explore the possibility.”
As background to the discussion, NFTPO Executive Director Denise Bunnewith presented each member with the structure of existing regional transportation authorities in South Florida, the Tampa Bay area, Central Florida, Northern Virginia and San Francisco Bay area.
Each consisted of different make ups, was funded differently and had their own set of problems. But the members agreed that forming a regional relationship was necessary and they could learn from others.
“All of the pieces are here,” said St. Johns County Commission Chair Tom Manuel. “We have to take control of this ... it’s the right thing to do.”
Attendees included Brown, Bunnewith, City Council member Art Graham, Manuel, Florida Department of Transportation District Planning Manager Larry Parks, Nassau County Commissioner Jim Higginbotham, the Jacksonville Port Authority’s Dick Morales and JTA Executive Director Michael Blaylock.
Blaylock expressed his optimism about the region being in an advantageous position by not being overbuilt and noted his efforts in the past to reach out to the surrounding counties to garner trust while inquiring about their projects during his six-year tenure.
He also questioned what the overall model of a North Florida regional authority would look like while saying it should not compete with the FDOT on projects.
Acquiring ideas from the other organizations, members suggested that the delegates of a governing body should be appointed. As a working number, the board would consist of fewer than 10 members with a delegate each from Clay, Nassau, Putnam, Baker, St. Johns and Duval counties appointed by the governor from a list of five potential candidates submitted per county. As the largest county with the most people, Jacksonville’s mayor would select an additional member to the board, while the FDOT secretary would select an additional member. Seeking an additional member from Flagler County is a possibility, even though it is outside the FDOT district.
Appointing members, instead of electing, would lead to the “long term survivability” of the organization said Manuel.
Funding was discussed but nothing was agreed upon other than each member county should contribute annually.
The implementation of toll facilities and retention of their revenue was also addressed.
“I think tolls inevitably will be in the process,” said Manuel, regarding funding.
Though the idea is still in its infancy, Thursday’s workshop aired out numerous ideas that contributing NFTPO members plan to look further into.
“The question is to whether we can act regionally,” said Manuel. “This type of connectivity is where we are headed.”
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