Before a capacity crowd, today the HART Board narrowed the focus of the Rapid Transit Investment Plan to the 3rd step of the 3 step Alternatives Analysis (AA) evaluation process that is being utilized to determine the Locally Preferred Alternative for a rapid transit corridor.
 
To further encourage additional public comment, the HART Board unanimously approved two public hearings to provide formal opportunities for the public to augment comments on the plan alternatives: September 25, 2010, 10:30 a.m. at a to be determined North Hillsborough County location and September 30, 2010, 4:30 p.m. at the Hillsborough County Center, Board of County Commissioners Room.

Informal meetings reaching out to other agencies, stakeholder groups and into the community at large will also continue.  Thus far, HART has presented AA information and solicited comments at 235 meetings during the past year.  The feedback received will be compiled and presented at an upcoming HART Board meeting as the Locally Preferred Alternative recommendation.  As always the public can continue to participate in the AA process online at www.gohartaa.org.  The AA is part of the comprehensive infrastructure improvement plan for Hillsborough County identified as the Rapid Transit Investment Plan (RTIP).  RTIP information has been disseminated throughout the County at over 200 meetings.
 
Today, the HART Board also received salient advice from Jeff Boothe, Esquire and HART consultant on Federal Grant Funding who said, "States and communities who want Federal funding assistance need to get into the game now before the pool of money is exhausted by those who are actively ready to receive grant funding."  He further reported on an emerging trend to compete for federal funding is a demonstration of the ability to fund half of the requested  funds.  In conclusion, Jeff stated that "Hillsborough County will soon have the opportunity to decide whether to be a recipient of Federal Funds or continue being a Donor!"