OOIDA Information Update - Florida Members
March 8, 2007

Florida transportation officials have scheduled a two-day public forum later this month on the topic of public-private partnerships. The public is encouraged to take this opportunity to voice their concerns on privatizing our highways.

The Florida Department of Transportation has combined the previous Branan Field-Chaffe Road proposal with the St. Johns River Crossing Corridor in north-central Jacksonville. The result is the First Coast Outer Beltway – a proposed 46-mile toll road built to interstate standards that could be funded with private-sector money.

On Wednesday, March 28, transportation officials, elected officials and speakers will present information on public-private partnerships and the proposal at the World Golf Village Renaissance Resort in St. Augustine, FL.

Registration is from 8 to 9:30 a.m. to speak during the comment period. The first day of the forum will last until 3:30 p.m.

On the following day, a team from the Florida DOT will be available to meet one-on-one with the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Transportation officials are prepared to answer questions about scheduling, permits, right-of-way acquisition and construction costs, according to the DOT agenda.