When federal, state, or local governments need more money they always look for additional revenue sources from us the taxpayers. In 2021 the Florida Legislature passed SB 1126 which transferred $35 million to Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, “to be used in accordance with Florida Turnpike Enterprise Law, to the maximum extent feasible for feeder roads, structures, interchanges, appurtenances and other rights to create or facilitate access to the existing turnpike system”. If you are not familiar with Florida Turnpike, it is the entity that plans, constructs, expands, operates, and maintains Florida’s toll roads.
Florida Turnpike System 2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report stated the operating revenue for the fiscal year 2022 was reported at nearly $1.2 billion. It also stated the upcoming Work Program commits $11.7 billion for 53 miles of future expansion project, 322 lane miles of widenings, 10 new interchanges and 31 major interchange improvements. You might ask why I am bringing this to your attention? After all we are in rural Northwest Florida and toll roads are not common here. Well, you might just be shocked that Florida Turnpike just completed a recent study concerning a potential toll road that could traverse through Jackson County. Yes, I just disclosed that.
On August 2, 2023, Carol Scott of Florida Turnpike, presented the “US 98 to I-10 Corridor Preliminary Corridor Study” to the Bay County Transportation Planning Organization (Bay County TPO) meeting. The Bay County TPO requested the study approximately one year ago. The Bay County TPO believes the proposed toll road could provide better emergency-response route, improve commuter travel, support the military and the terminals at Port Panama City and potentially bring more commuters to the region for tourism.
Turnpike’s presentation provided 3 different potential routes with the middle route being the preferred route. The preferred route would connect off CR 286 travel over SR 69& SR 71 into Calhoun and Bay Counties and into Panama City to US 98. It would be a four-laned limited access toll road and consists of approximately 50 miles. Turnpike recommended that the proposed toll road be constructed along Florida Power &Light Company’s properties and easements. The estimated toll per mile is $.20 with a total cost to the commuter of $10.00. The estimated construction cost is $2.64 billion with a per mile cost of $58 million. The annual net revenue estimate for 2035 is $1,769 and for 2064 is $14,737. That is only a $14,737 annual net revenue return on an estimated $2.64 billion dollar project. Sounds like a lot of squeals in that pork barrel.
Ms. Scott also discussed the potential next steps of the study which included transportation needs, local support, environmental feasibility, and financial feasibility. Commissioner Josh Street, City of Panama City discussed the next steps and reaching out to neighboring counties to move forward this corridor. Austin Mount, Emerald Coast Regional Council staffmember stated,“it can go on the regional transportation plan and program, and they can meet with the Apalachee Regional Planning Council and have a joint meeting.”
This information was verified with Mary Beth Washnock, Transportation Director Emerald Coast Regional Council and she stated that there has been no follow up on additional meetings concerning the proposed study. She also provided information concerning the project along with the power point presentation presented to the Bay County TPO and meeting minutes. Florida Turnpikes public information officer was contacted, and she deferred me to the Bay County TPO.
My concerns for fiscal responsibility of the taxpayers (our) money and the severe economic impact our county would suffer, led me straight to a discussion with State Representative Shane Abbott. Representative Abbott stated “The toll connector road was a surprise to me, and I found out about it from a constituent. We have many transportation needs in our area and I, along with our local FDOT, will focus on securing funding for these needs. I can not support spending billions of taxpayer dollars on a single project like this one. “
Please remember those individuals running for office in August and November of 2024, who stand up for your community and for those who demand nothing less than fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability of the people’s money. I will leave you with those thoughts and that concludes this week’s edition of The Straight Truth With Mary Ann Hutton.