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Forward Pinellas outlines planning and construction grant programs and a possible MPO merger
Summary
Chelsea Favaro of Forward Pinellas explained the agency’s planning and construction funding programs (planning grants up to $150,000, $3 million annual construction pool), technical assistance available to cities, and an ongoing regional MPO-merger study with an intended proposal timeline toward an operational merged MPO by 2028.
Chelsea Favaro, who manages the metropolitan planning organization and the Pinellas Planning Council functions for the agency, described funding programs and technical services available to local governments.
"For our planning grants, we provide $150,000 each year with a minimum project award of $35,000," Favaro said, adding that construction funds are federalized and must be spent on public rights-of-way. She encouraged Treasure Island to apply for planning or construction assistance and noted Forward Pinellas handles grant administration to reduce city procurement burdens.
Favaro also outlined agency roles: the PPC sets countywide land‑use upper limits and the MPO handles federally funded transportation priorities. She described a draft apportionment plan for a potential Pinellas–Pasco–Hillsborough MPO merger and said the agencies are working on bylaws, interlocal agreements and staff organization with a goal of presenting details in October and, ultimately, a merged MPO operational target by summer 2028.
She said the current call for projects is open and applications are due in the fall, with funding determinations expected in March of the following year. Favaro referenced technical services Forward Pinellas can provide, including traffic counts, mapping and crash-data support, and encouraged Treasure Island staff to reach out about project ideas.
Commissioners asked whether local projects — such as Gulf Boulevard bike lanes and sidewalk improvements — would qualify; Favaro said projects on state roads should coordinate with FDOT but can be considered. She also noted the agency has historically provided a mix of planning and construction support across Pinellas County, and invited Treasure Island to submit project ideas.
