TPO releases draft FY28–32 priority list; cities and county outline top projects
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Summary
TPO staff presented a draft FY28–32 prioritized project list and local agencies outlined priorities that will inform May programming decisions, including bus replacements, smart traffic corridors, trail segments, bridge maintenance and premium transit concepts; the board was reminded the list is required by state statute and helps prioritize discretionary federal funding.
TPO staff said the draft FY28–32 priority list is available for review and will be considered by the board next month, with projects subject to change before final adoption. Elizabeth Watkins (TPO) said the prioritized list helps signal community needs to FDOT District 7 and supports competitive discretionary grant applications.
Local agencies described top priorities they submitted for the current funding cycle. Heather Sobush (HART) emphasized bus replacements and midlife overhauls, heavy maintenance facility needs, bus stop capital improvements and support for streetcar and premium transit concepts. Christopher Fellerhoff (Hillsborough County) described a streamlined county list focused on smart traffic network corridors, the Tampa Bypass Canal Trail Segment 6, Gibsonson Drive interchange and VanDyke Road widening. Adam Purcell (City of Tampa) highlighted bridge maintenance for Brorein and Cass Streets, Unite Ashley redevelopment work that could enable housing redevelopment, bike‑ped projects (Azalea, 14th Street) and a premium airport‑downtown transit concept tied to the regional infrastructure accelerator. Temple Terrace and Plant City representatives outlined corridor safety, multimodal trail and context‑sensitive corridor projects.
Watkins reminded the board the priority list is required by state statute and matters because it helps communities position for discretionary federal funds each year; staff said roughly $20–25 million in federal funds are typically available to prioritize to local needs (presenter's approximate figure). The draft will undergo outreach and be returned for board action during upcoming hearings; members asked for additional coordination on high‑growth areas around USF and stadium planning to ensure projects reflect evolving demand.
Next steps: The board will consider the list in May; TPO staff will continue outreach and refinement and flag any changes from regional infrastructure accelerator project lists.
