Q: |
The area that concerns me is where this proposed highway intersects the road which appears to go right through my neighborhood. I am unable to determine how close this highway may be constructed to my residence. Could you please clarify the approximate area where this current highway and the proposed highway are planned to intersect? |
A: |
The Master Plan contains many upgrades and altered routes to current roadway systems. This proposed project's exact location and other details such as methods of funding have not yet been defined. The details pertaining to this project will be defined in the next phase of planning, the Project Development and Environmental (PD&E) Study. The PD&E Study will be used to determine the exact route and to ensure that the project complies with all applicable statutes. The NFTCA must comply with all applicable Florida Statutes and Florida Administrative Code (FAC). |
Q: |
In my area, we already have various problems with bears roaming through our neighborhoods. How much more of a problem will it be if their habitat is cut significantly? |
A: |
The details pertaining to each project will be defined in the next phase of planning, the Project Development and Environmental (PD&E) Study. A PD&E Study will be completed for each project to determine the effects on the environment and local wildlife as well as the exact route of any new alignments. Each project the NFTCA constructs must first comply with all applicable Florida Statutes and Florida Administrative Code (FAC). |
Q: |
If a new 4-lane highway is put in near or through the National Forests here in the Panhandle we will be ruining the habitat of other wildlife. Right now we have Cockaded Woodpeckers and many other rare birds including a Bald Eagle which we have seen or are feeding in our backyard. What are you doing to preserve the habitat of these rare species? |
A: |
Each project in the Master Plan must comply with all applicable Florida Statutes and Florida Administrative Code (FAC). These statutes will be addressed in the next phase of planning, the Project Development and Environmental (PD&E) Study. |
Q: |
What happens if a new highway cannot be constructed because of the environmental protection already in place? |
A: |
Florida Statute Section 343.80 states that the Board must update the Master Plan prior to July 1st every year. This updated plan will investigate and consider any findings from the PD&E Studies conducted since the latest update was completed. |
Q: |
I believe more roadways in North Florida will degrade our rivers, estuaries and wetlands which are already in rough shape because of neglect. What are you doing to protect the Florida environmental habitats? |
A: |
The proposed projects exact locations have not yet been defined. The details pertaining to each project will be defined in the next phase of planning, the Project Development and Environmental (PD&E) Study. A PD&E Study will be completed for each project to determine the exact route and to ensure that the project complies with all applicable statutes. The NFTCA must comply with all applicable Florida Statutes and Florida Administrative Code (FAC). Florida Statute Section 343.80 states that the Board must update the Master Plan prior to July 1st every year. Any PD&E findings that show a project cannot be constructed because of wildlife or environmental concerns will be incorporated into the current year amendments to the Master Plan. |
Q: |
Are any of the projects in the Master Plan going to be toll facilities? |
A: |
The method of funding for each project has yet to be determined. This will occur during the Project Development & Environmental (PD&E) Study. |
Q: |
If none of the exact project locations have been determined and must now await a PD&E Study, why spend the money to produce a Master Plan? |
A: |
The primary purpose of the authority is to improve mobility on the US 98 corridor in Northwest Florida to enhance traveler safety, identify and develop hurricane evacuation routes, promote economic development along the corridor, and implement transportation projects to alleviate current or anticipated traffic congestion. The Master Plan collectively looks at eight counties across the Panhandle to seamlessly incorporate transportation projects supporting the US 98 corridor across county lines. Florida Statute Section 343.80 states that the Board must update the Master Plan prior to July 1st every year. This updated plan will investigate and consider any findings from the PD&E Studies conducted since the latest update was completed. |