State budget language would require a feasibility study on MPO consolidation including Charlotte; staff to receive study from FDOT

MPO staff reported that language in the state budget bill would require the MPOs serving Charlotte, Collier and Lee counties to submit, by Dec. 31, a feasibility report exploring the benefits, costs, process and consolidation into a single MPO.

The presenter said the language had been added under FDOT planning money and that FDOT District 1 will conduct the short study because the timeline is condensed. Staff told board members they will work with the Chair over the summer on background materials and planned to bring items to the board in September, October and November so the final study can be routed to the required legislative offices in time.

Board members asked whether there would be penalties for submitting after Dec. 31 and how costs and apportionment would be handled; staff said the MPO plans to submit by the deadline, noted the largest city (Cape Coral) had passed a resolution opposing consolidation and said cost and apportionment questions remain part of the feasibility review.

Why it matters: Consolidation would change regional governance and the apportionment of MPO seats and resources. The feasibility report is a required informational step that would frame potential structural changes affecting multiple counties and municipalities.

What's next: FDOT will run the short study; MPO staff will provide interim materials to the board over the summer and present the final study by November for routing to legislative offices.