Current Issues-Special Projects-E HO!-Report-Other Efforts

Efforts Related to the Eastward Ho! Initiative

A number of efforts to make Southeast Florida a better, healthier place to live are underway and are listed briefly below:

Restudy of the Central and Southern Florida Flood Control Project

The Everglades ecosystem has experienced massive losses in its natural resources attributed, in large part, to alterations of the natural hydrologic conditions produced by the Central and South Florida Project. There is a growing evidence that suggests the Central and South Florida Project needs to be modified to reestablish the historical abundance and diversity of native flora and fauna. The Central and South Florida Project effectively provides flood protection and water supply for all or part of 16 counties, containing nearly 5.5 million people and 950,000 acres of agriculture. The Restudy is intended to evaluate potential modifications with a view toward environmental restoration and enhancement. A number of options under consideration involve lands on the western edge of the Southeast Florida region.

Governor's Commission for a Sustainable South Florida

After completing the Initial Report with recommendations in October 1995, the Commission has been actively engaged in several activities. First, the Commission has conducted numerous outreach activities to continue building partnerships and laying the foundation to implement its recommendations. Second, the Commission has been working closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the South Florida Water Management District to refine a restoration vision for the Restudy of the Central & Southern Florida Flood Control Project. A Conceptual Plan for the Restudy was released by the Commission in September 1996. Also, in May 1996, the Commission formed an Energy Committee to address energy-related issues with the goal to ensure South Florida's sustainability.

Strategic Regional Policy Plans (SRPPs)

During the second half of 1995, both the South Florida and Treasure Coast Regional Planning Councils (RPCs) adopted their new Strategic Regional Policy Plans (SRPPs) to guide the two regions into the 21st Century. Currently, Broward and Dade Counties belong to the South Florida Region, while Palm Beach County belongs to the Treasure Coast Region. Based on state statute, local comprehensive plans shall be consistent with the applicable SRPP. Both SRPPs address strategic issues regarding economic development, transportation, natural resources of regional significance, affordable housing and emergency preparedness. Both SRPPs have strong emphases on containing urban sprawl, promoting infill and redevelopment, and revitalizing existing urban areas. Hence, the Eastward Ho! Study should also be viewed as an important step to implement both SRPPs for the South Florida and Treasure Coast regions. In addition, full implementation of both SRPPs will further ensure the success of a revitalized Eastward Ho! Corridor across two regions.

Southeast Florida 2025 Project

The mission of Southeast Florida 2025 is to create a comprehensive vision of the region's future by building partnerships and collaborations that encourage regional cooperation. The region includes Palm Beach, Broward, Dade and Monroe Counties. Southeast Florida 2025 was created by the state legislature in 1994 with a Steering Committee chaired by Senator Kenneth C. Jenne, II. Project activities have included Steering Committee meetings and an American Assembly. In April 1996, five action teams were formed to develop implementation strategies.

Local Government Evaluation and Appraisal Reports

The Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR), required by Chapter 163, Florida Statutes, assesses the success of the local planning process and recommends changes needed to update local government comprehensive plans. Most local governments within the study area are engaged in the EAR process and have been generous in sharing their data and findings for this study. In turn, the findings and recommendations of the Eastward Ho! report can prove helpful to local governments in determining future comprehensive amendments for the study area.

I-95 HOV Lane Study

Currently, I-95 has 50 miles of high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane in Southeast Florida. The 50-mile HOV lane begins in Dade County at State Road 112, continues north through Broward County, and ends at Linton Boulevard in southern Palm Beach County, all within the Eastward Ho! study area. In October 1995, the Florida Department of Transportation completed a study on the I-95 HOV lane system with recommendations to further improve its operation.

South Dade U.S. 1 Corridor Study

After Hurricane Andrew struck in August 1992, the FAU/FIU Joint Center for Environmental and Urban Problems, under contract with the Florida Department of Community Affairs, began work on a comprehensive Corridor Development Strategy for U.S. 1 in South Dade. The goal is to provide a framework for the long-term process of urbanization and redevelopment of the study area that extends from SW 184th Street in Cutler Ridge south to SW 290th Street, the northern limits of the City of Homestead. The objective is to direct growth into existing and future communities within and around the U.S. 1 corridor, and to design these communities to support the provision of transit service. The project is now moving to the implementation of selected growth strategies.

Regional Transit Organization Feasibility Study

Beginning from May 1996, the three Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) from Palm Beach, Broward and Dade Counties jointly sponsored a Feasibility Study for a Tri-County Regional Transit Organization. The study will assess regional transit needs and potential funding sources. It will provide recommendations regarding the creation of a regional transit organization for the Tri-County area, with an emphasis on organizational structure, roles and responsibilities, funding mechanisms, and relationships to existing entities within the area. A Study Advisory Committee to guide the study includes representatives from the South Florida and Treasure Coast RPC's, three MPOs, County transit agencies, Tri-Rail, and the Florida Department of Transportation. The study is expected to be completed by the end of September, 1996.

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Updated on Jan. 10, 1997