CRTPA adopts right-of-way–focused cost-feasible scenario for regional mobility plan

The Capital Regional Transportation Planning Agency on Sept. 16 adopted the draft cost‑feasible scenario that prioritizes right‑of‑way acquisition for major corridor projects, a move staff said will position projects for future construction if funding becomes available. The action, moved and seconded during the board meeting, passed on a voice vote with all members saying “aye.” CRTPA staff and consultants told the board the region faces a gap between projected needs and projected revenues: the top priorities carry an estimated $412 million in 2025 dollars, while available revenue across the 25‑year plan is about $287 million (inflated across time bands). Staff described the adopted “right‑of‑way” scenario as one that spends limited funds primarily to acquire property needed for future construction phases and to set aside boxed funds for pedestrian/bicycle projects, system management and safety. Consultant Franco Serracino of Kittelson Associates said average right‑of‑way costs for the priority projects are about $10 million per mile (range roughly $4 million to $25 million per mile) and average construction costs about $30 million per mile, reflecting market and development pressures. Jack (project manager) told the board the top priorities include Crawfordville Road, Woodville, Orange Avenue and segments of Capital Circle. Board members and staff emphasized the practical purpose of the right‑of‑way approach: buying needed land now reduces the risk that future construction will be delayed or priced out by even higher acquisition costs. Commissioner Matlow noted that some projects could still be 15–25 years from construction based on current revenue projections; staff agreed, saying the long‑range plan will be updated in five years and figures will change as work advances and as FDOT and other funding sources evolve. The adopted scenario also earmarked “boxed funds” for non‑capacity work: $41 million for pedestrian and bicycle improvements, $59 million for system management (traffic signals and technology), and $28 million for safety projects. Staff said those system management investments can increase network efficiency and, in some cases, reduce the need for lane‑building. Staff also reported two recent changes that affected the plan: FDOT added about $1.4 million of right‑of‑way funding for a Crawfordville Road segment, and FDOT has begun a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study on Capital Circle Northwest between I‑10 and North Monroe Street. The board discussed whether elements of the plan are eligible for funding from the Blueprint transportation program; staff clarified Blueprint is focusing its funding on local non‑state roads and is not committing the bulk of funds to state‑system projects such as Orange Avenue. Discussion only: members pressed staff on cost drivers (development pressure on right‑of‑way prices) and on state priorities that have increased resurfacing and system maintenance funding in recent years. Formal direction/decision: the board approved staff’s recommendation to adopt the right‑of‑way scenario as the draft cost‑feasible plan to move forward. Next steps: staff will incorporate the adopted scenario into the regional mobility plan documents and continue coordination with FDOT and local partners; the plan will be revisited during the required five‑year update.