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Tallahassee to seek federal Protect grant to harden traffic signal network and add connected-vehicle capabilities
Summary
City staff asked commissioners to approve applying for a USDOT Protect grant to replace traffic-signal cabinets with larger, battery-backed units and add switches, cameras and communications for 359 intersections; commissioners approved submitting the application with an 80% federal match and estimated local share of about $4.7 million.
Tallahassee city staff asked the City Commission on Feb. 12 to authorize a federal grant application that would replace traffic-signal cabinets across the city, add battery backup and improve communications to make the signal network more resilient and to prepare for connected-vehicle technology.
Traffic-operations manager Josh Hollingsworth told commissioners the project would install a newer, larger “resilient traffic signal cabinet” with room for emerging devices, a battery backup system and upgraded switches and communications to ensure reliable data flow to the city’s Traffic Management Center. “This would give us a 6 to 8 hour run time to help us act as like a buffer when those events do happen,” Hollingsworth said of the proposed battery backups.
The city is proposing to apply for a U.S. Department of Transportation Protect grant. Hollingsworth estimated the per-intersection cost at about $66,000 and said the project scope would cover roughly 359 intersections, placing the raw total near $24 million. With an expected 80% federal share, he said the local match would be roughly $4.7 million, to be split proportionately among local owners (city, Leon County and the Florida Department of Transportation).
Why it matters: city staff framed the project as both a resilience investment and a foundation for future safety and mobility technology. The upgrades would help maintain signal operation during storms — when the city currently deploys portable generators and rapid-response crews — and provide the communications and space needed to integrate sensors, cameras and radios that broadcast signal status to vehicles and research partners.
Supporting details: Hollingsworth described partnerships already in place with FDOT and with Florida A&M/FSU engineering faculty. He noted pilot equipment already installed on U.S. 90 that broadcasts signal timing and said the city’s camera count had grown from about 50 to roughly 240. The city plans to use in-house crews for cabinet installation and expects the full program to be implemented over roughly five years.
Commission action: Commissioner Porter moved to approve the staff-recommended option to apply for the grant; Commissioner Richardson seconded. The commission approved the motion by voice vote; no member opposed.
The commission and staff also discussed federal funding uncertainty and grant administration. The city manager said the city would not enter into a grant agreement until a federal contract was executed and that the city would manage drawdowns and spending carefully to limit financial risk.
Next steps: staff will submit the grant application and, if awarded, return with contract documents and a detailed implementation schedule and cost-sharing plan.
