The Florida Department of Transportation presented its draft tentative work program for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 at the Martin County MPO's November meeting, emphasizing safety-driven investments and project phasing that places many new phases in the program's fifth year.

FDOT representative Cesar Martinez said the department expects to invest more than $5.7 billion over the five-year cycle and that program priorities remain safety, preservation and maintenance. "Funding allocations were lower than prior cycles," Martinez said, attributing the change to recent revenue estimating conference projections. He added that construction cost increases also constrain the program.

Martinez outlined priorities for State Road 710 in Martin County. He said design for the corridor from Okeechobee County to Alapata Road is under way at a cost of $10,700,000 and that right-of-way acquisition is planned in a later year at about $21,000,000. He identified a construction commitment for the Martin County line to 126th Boulevard in FY2030 at an estimated $2,200,000,000 and noted a related realignment project in FY2029 estimated at $6,900,000. Martinez said additional segments (b and c) were added this cycle and together approach $300,000,000 for construction and inspection services.

The district also reviewed a list of smaller local projects in Martin County, including resurfacing, intersection work on US 1, a Willowby Boulevard extension development study and a series of Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), Safe Routes to School and SunTrail projects. Several local projects were described as unfunded or partially funded; FDOT said new projects or phases are typically programmed in the fifth year (2031) when allocations permit.

Commissioner Blake Capps questioned how stable transportation funding has been in previous recessions; Martinez said revenues have been flat recently while construction estimates have risen. After public discussion the board moved to accept the FDOT presentation; the motion passed unanimously.

The presentation materials list projected program totals, phased construction schedules for SR 710, and both completed and planned studies for local corridors. Staff said right-of-way and design phases for certain Martin County projects received new or additional funding in this cycle, while some projects remain pending further public meetings or feasibility work.

The board did not adopt any ordinance or change policy at the meeting; members accepted the FDOT report for the record.