FDOT Releases Initial Southwest-Central Florida Connector Avoidance Graphic, Maintains Commitment to Preserving Florida’s Most Precious Resources
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) released the initial avoidance graphic for the proposed Southwest-Central Florida Connector at the Multi-Use Corridors of Regional Economic Significance (M-CORES) task force meeting. Consistent with the task force guiding principles, the graphic illustrates where there will be no or limited impact by the proposed corridor as well as FDOT’s commitment to preserving Florida’s most precious environmental and historical resources.
“I am confident that the avoidance graphic articulates our promise to protect and preserve Florida’s environment, while also planning for the state’s inevitable future growth,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Kevin J. Thibault, P.E. “The department will continue to support task force members and provide any requested resources throughout this critical process as they work toward consensus on paths/courses for the proposed corridor.”
The graphic notes that the path/course will not impact:
o Spring Heads
o Lakes
o Mitigation Banks
o High Risk Coastal Zones
o Cemeteries
o Native American Lands
o Airports
o Military Installations
Additionally, though an existing corridor may be enhanced, there will be no new corridor through:
o Resources listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP)
o Acquired Florida Forever Lands
o National Wildlife Refuges
▪ Florida Panther
▪ Lake Wales Ridge
▪ Ten Thousand Islands
▪ Everglades Headwaters
o National Parks
▪ Everglades
▪ Big Cypress National Preserve
o State Parks
o Coastal Area Storm Surge (CAT 2)
Source: https://www.fdot.gov/info/co/news/newsreleases/default.shtm
For more information regarding M-CORES, public meeting dates and locations, or to submit a
comment related to the proposed projects, visit http://FloridaMCORES.com.
