(July 1, 2015) – The Heartland Regional Transportation Planning Organization (HRTPO) serving DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands and Okeechobee Counties is seeking public comment on a draft Public Participation Plan for a period of 45 days, ending on August 15, 2015. After the comment period closes and all input has been considered, a final Public Participation Plan will be presented for adoption to the HRTPO Board with at least seven (7) days public notice.
Public participation is an important part of the transportation planning process and the plan aims to ensure the new organization allows the public multiple ways to have meaningful involvement. HRTPO Board Chair James Brooks of Highlands County stated, “This is the first time the Heartland region has had the opportunity to come together to look at short and long-term transportation issues and we want everyone to have a voice in the process.”
Designated on November 17, 2014 by Governor Rick Scott of Florida, the HRTPO will assist in preparing the region for increasing urbanization and infrastructure investment through the creation of a twenty-year Long Range Transportation Plan and a five-year Transportation Improvement Plan among other transportation planning activities.
The plan may be found at www.heartlandregionaltpo.org or at county or city administration offices and public libraries throughout the region. Anyone interested in submitting a comment may do so by contacting Marybeth Soderstrom, Community Engagement Manager by email msoderstrom@cfrpc.org, mail to 555 East Church Street, Bartow, FL 33830, or call (863) 534-7130 x 134.
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About the HRTPO
The Heartland Regional TPO is a federally mandated transportation policy-making organization that coordinates transportation plans for the Heartland region including the six counties of DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands and Okeechobee and the urbanized area of Highlands County including the cities of Sebring and Avon Park.
The HRTPO does not discriminate against any person with respect to a HRTPO program, activity or service and adheres to the Federal non-discrimination requirements under Title VI and other related regulations and statutes. The HRTPO strives to ensure full and fair participation by all potentially affected individuals, groups and communities in the transportation decision-making process. To learn more about the HRTPO, visit our website at www.heartlandregionaltpo.org.
Marybeth Soderstrom
Community Engagement Manager
Heartland Regional Transportation Planning Organization
555 East Church Street | Bartow, FL 33830
P: 863.534.7130 x 134 | C: 863.838.9762 | F: 863.534.7138
heartlandregionaltpo.org