Let’s plan for the future — stop Legislature’s toll roads

Last year, the Texas A&M Traffic Institute reported that Orlando commuters spent an average of 57 hours a year stuck in traffic, with an average “congestion cost” of more than $1,000 a year per commuter. And Florida is facing an everworsening water crisis, withdrawing unsustainable amounts of water from the Floridan Aquifer to accommodate existing and new development, and experiencing regular outbreaks of algal blooms reflecting seriously declining water quality.

In Central Florida alone, the three water management districts that share responsibility for the region have together approved groundwater withdrawal permits for about 300 million gallons a day more than what is sustainable from the Floridan Aquifer. In light of this, it would seem wise for the state to do all in its power to protect its vulnerable water supply.

But in 2019, the Legislature passed, and Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law, MCORES (Multi-Use Corridors of Regional Economic Significance) authorizing a trio of toll roads extending from north Florida to the western Everglades. This massive project, estimated to cost taxpayers as much as $27 billion over the next decade, siphons money away from existing transportation needs in urban areas and further threatens the state’s imperiled water supply.

In a time when Florida is in desperate need of visionary planning for the future, resources are being diverted to a series of roads that would direct more growth and development to vast tracts of rural Florida.

The central M-CORES segment, the Northern Turnpike Connector, would extend some 40 miles through a corridor encompassing Citrus, Levy, Marion and Sumter counties. Largely rural, these lands include about 7% of Florida’s total acreage but only about 3% of its population. About 85% remains either open water, natural or semi-natural lands or in pasture, with another 9% in intensive agriculture and only 5% developed.

Much of the region is known for its karst topography, a porous limestone foundation characterized by pristine springs and sinkholes. Almost 70% of Turnpike Corridor lands are rated among the state’s top three priority levels for aquifer recharge. They play a critical role in protecting and nourishing the Floridan

Aquifer, the source of drinking water for millions of Floridians, and are more vulnerable to contaminated runoff from roads and sprawling development.

Some local governments are doing their part to protect these resources. Both Levy and Marion counties have adopted springs protection areas in their local comprehensive plans, with Marion also designating a farmland preservation area for its iconic horse farm country, essential to the region’s economy. Levy has gone a step further, with its commission voting in April to oppose the proposed toll road crossing through the county.

But instead of supporting and enhancing these efforts, the state is moving forward on planning roads that promise to bring sprawling subdivisions and strip shopping centers to these vulnerable lands and waters.

Economic development is one ostensible justification for M-CORES. But the region’s crystalline springs, outstanding fishing opportunities, bike paths, horse trails, campsites, farmlands and Main Street communities both enhance the quality of life for locals and form the backbone of the region’s economy, and all would be at risk from new superhighways. Instead of working with citizens to determine the best approach to strengthen the economy, the state decided roads and development are the panacea.

Disturbingly, Florida is moving forward quickly on planning for these multibilliondollar toll roads without first determining if there is even a true need. In this time of economic uncertainty, will these toll roads generate enough revenue from users, or will motorists across Florida end up footing the bill? With excessive commute times in the Orlando area costing motorists in excess of $1 billion a year, wouldn’t it make more sense to invest in resolving existing problems within congested metropolitan areas?

It’s time to put the brakes on MCORES. Instead of building new roads in rural areas, Florida’s leaders instead should focus on the best ways to protect the state’s critical and threatened water supply, fix existing transportation problems, and support meaningful and sustainable economic development in rural communities.