Title:
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Approve the revised Locally Funded Agreement between the State of Florida, Department of Transportation and Seminole County for the Sunshine Corridor Project Development and Environmental Study (“LFA”) and authorize the Chairman to execute the LFA. Countywide (Kristian Swenson, Assistant County Manager)
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Division:
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County Manager Office
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Authorized By:
Kristian Swenson, Assistant County Manager
Contact/Phone Number:
Kristian Swenson/407-665-7246
Background:
At the January 28, 2025 Seminole County Board of County Commissioners (“Board”) meeting, the Board approved a commitment to provide five hundred thousand dollars and no/100 ($500,000.00) towards a State of Florida, Department of Transportation (“FDOT”) led Project Development and Environmental (“PD&E”) Study for the Sunshine Corridor. The Sunshine Corridor will focus on connecting the Orlando International Airport, the Orange County Convention Center, South International Drive, and/or Disney Springs to the existing SunRail Commuter Rail System, which operates from DeLand in Volusia County through Seminole County and Orange County (including the City of Orlando) to Poinciana in Osceola County.
On March 25, 2025, the Board approved an LFA memorializing the approval and funding commitment for the Sunshine Corridor.
As part of the continued collaborative effort between the FDOT and Seminole County and the significant undertaking of the PD&E Study, a couple of minor revisions to the LFA are recommended. Specifically, the Board-approved LFA contemplates that if there are material amendments to the PD&E Study, the FDOT will work with Seminole County in good faith as to the proposed revisions to the PD&E Study, which must be mutually agreed upon in writing. As the requirement of a mutual agreement in writing could delay a PD&E Study affecting the region and timelines affecting various governmental approvals, a modified concept is proposed to still work in good faith on any proposed material changes to the PD&E Study; however, if such good faith efforts are not successful, Seminole County has the ability to terminate the LFA and have its share of unexpended funds returned. This revision will continue to safeguard Seminole County funds and allow the PD&E Study to continue without administrative delays, should there be material changes.
In addition, the Board-approved LFA states that so long as FDOT provides Seminole County a minimum of forty-five (45) calendar days advanced written notice prior to FDOT’s PD&E Study advertisement date, Seminole County will provide the funding at least fourteen (14) calendar days prior to FDOT’s PD&E Study advertisement date. Due to the time sensitivity in needing to move forward, FDOT advertised the PD&E Study on April 28, 2025. Therefore, this provision in the LFA is updated to reflect the need for FDOT to provide the same advanced notice prior to execution of the contract for the PD&E Study, rather than the advertisement date.
As the March 25, 2025, Board-approved LFA had not been executed, an amendment is not necessary. Rather, an updated version of the LFA is appropriate for Board consideration.
No other changes are recommended to the Board-approved LFA, or the related Three-Party Escrow Agreement approved by the Board on March 25, 2025.
Requested Action:
Staff requests the Board approve the revised Locally Funded Agreement between the State of Florida, Department of Transportation and Seminole County for the Sunshine Corridor Project Development and Environmental Study (“LFA”) and authorize the Chairman to execute the LFA