Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) has introduced the Metropolitan Planning Enhancement Act, which would bring critically needed transportation dollars to Broward and Palm Beach counties.  The legislation awards additional funding from the federal government to local transportation organizations that work together. 

“Directing more funding to our local governments will mean a smarter, more efficient use of the federal resources that move our economy,” said Frankel. “As a former mayor, I know first-hand that local authorities best know the needs of the community, whether it’s getting residents to work, our children to school, or deliveries to local businesses, safely and on time.”

“For many years, our nation’s mayors have called for a more meaningful role in how federal transportation dollars are used,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “Metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) are the voice of cities and communities in the transportation planning process, and Rep. Frankel’s bill will give MPOs more of a role and reward high-performing MPOs with a larger share of funding.”

“Recognizing high-performing MPOs would assist in providing critical infrastructure improvements in South Florida and across the nation,” said Greg Stuart, Broward MPO Executive Director. “This legislation will provide local communities with greater control over funding for roadway improvements, port expansion projects, bridge renovations, and other necessary transportation infrastructure.”

“The local MPO is the primary and best place to identify the best transportation projects that our communities want and our economies need,” said Nick Uhren, Palm Beach MPO Executive Director. “The MPOs that coordinate regionally and plan for innovative projects will make best use of their federal gas taxes and are justly deserving of the increased funding this legislation will provide.”

Metropolitan Planning Enhancement Act:

• High-performing MPOs will be awarded with 50 percent more in funds from the Surface Transportation Program (STP) and the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP).
  • Broward and Palm Beach counties would qualify as high-performing MPOs.
• Florida MPOs could receive over $100 million for local transportation projects, such as roads, bridges, and public transit, along with alternative projects like bike paths and safe routes to schools. 
  • For South Florida, this could mean as much as $40 million annually. 

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