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County staff outline data-driven transportation priorities but say funding gap remains
Summary
Public Works told commissioners the county uses data (cameras, counts, crash data) and CityWorks asset management to prioritize transportation projects; staff reported Transportation Trust improvements but said a roughly $18 million shortfall remains for six-year transportation projects unless reprioritized or additional revenue is found.
John Elias, Charlotte County public works director, and budget staff briefed commissioners on May 22 about transportation priorities, the county’s data-driven project selection and remaining funding gaps for the six-year transportation program.
Elias said Charlotte County collects annual traffic counts and uses software projections and newer camera technologies to track pedestrian and turning-movement data, crash trends and traffic volumes to prioritize intersection and roadway projects. That data feeds the CNA, the long-range transportation plan and the CIP, Elias said, and the goal is to make transparent, data-driven recommendations on projects and timing.
Lisby said earlier staff recommendations to stabilize the Transportation Trust Fund were implemented and are producing the expected improvement. However, when staff rolled identified transportation projects (~$332 million total in the six-year window) against projected revenue (impact fees, sales tax allocations and earmarked dollars) they estimated an approximate shortfall of $18 million to fully fund the list without reprioritization or added revenue.
Commissioners asked for added context to comparative charts (population and lane-miles for peer counties) so they can better understand per-capita transportation spending. Several commissioners also noted the opacity of the state gas-tax distribution formula; staff said they will analyze the county allocations and provide a county-by-county breakdown.
Staff recommended continuing with data-driven prioritization and returning with refined revenue and priority options on June 19 and in the July recommended budget. No formal action was taken at the workshop.
