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Proposed Amendment of the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP)

Proposed Amendment of the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP)

The Heartland Regional Transportation Planning Organization (HRTPO) is seeking comments from the public on an amendment to the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) for Fiscal Years 2020/21 – 2021/22. The UPWP describes the transportation planning projects to be performed within the HRTPO area and includes the following components:

  • Summary of planning tasks to be completed by the HRTPO
  • Definition of work products and a timeline for major activities
  • Budget proposal using federal and other funds for planning
  • Estimate of cost for each task

The adopted UPWP forms the basis for federal and state transportation planning funds to be awarded through agreements or grants to the HRTPO.

The UPWP is a biennial document covering two budget years. The HRTPO coordinates with the FDOT District to determine the necessary revisions.

View the amended task and budget pages here.

Changes to the budget include:

  • Task 2: Transit Planning Adjust FTA 5305 funding due to change in funding match at the request of the Florida Department of Transportation.
  • Task 2: Year of completion for Mobility As a Service (MAaS) study for the urbanized area from June 2021 to February 2022.

The amended task page is shown in red, with the deletions struck through.
The comment period for the amendment to the UPWP begins on February 23, 2021, and comments will be accepted through March 3, 2021. After the comment period closes and all input has been considered, the amendment to the UPWP will be considered for adoption at HRTPO Meeting on March 10, 2021.

Printed copies are available upon request. Anyone interested in submitting a comment may do so by using the form below or by contacting Transportation Director, Marybeth Soderstrom, by email at msoderstrom@cfrpc.org, mail to 555 East Church Street, Bartow, FL 33830, or call (863) 838-9762.


Submit Your Comment

Proposed Amendment to the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)

Proposed Amendment to the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)

The Heartland Regional Transportation Planning Organization (HRTPO) announces the start of a seven-day public comment and review period for the proposed amendment to the FY 2020/21 through FY 2024/25 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).  The TIP is a list of funded transportation projects covering a period of five years. Adopted each year in June, the TIP is updated by amendment throughout the year to ensure authorization of federal funds.

The proposed amendment includes:

• Hendry County FTA Section 5311 and 5310 Funding

• Central Florida Regional Planning Council FTA Section 5311 Funding
• Glades County Railroad/Utilities Funding in Current Year

The comment period for the TIP proposed amendment begins on February 23, 2021, and comments will be accepted through March 3, 2021. The proposed TIP amendment will be presented for adoption to the HRTPO Board at their meeting on March 10, 2021. An opportunity for public comment will be available at the meeting before Board action is taken.

Printed copies are available upon request.  Anyone interested in submitting a comment may do so by contacting Transportation Manager, Marybeth Soderstrom, by email at msoderstrom@cfrpc.org, mail to 555 East Church Street, Bartow, FL 33830, or call (863) 838-9762.

February is Florida Hiking Trails Month and American Heart Health Month!

February is Florida Hiking Trails Month and American Heart Health Month!

To celebrate, take a heart-healthy hike with your sweetheart to explore Florida’s hiking trails. Besides spending time with your sweetheart and making happy memories, you’ll enjoy the many benefits of outdoor recreation.

Trails provide safe, clean open spaces where families can exercise, relieve stress and get fresh air. You’ll find health benefits for outdoor recreation that include lower blood pressure, improved fitness, improved mood and more.

If you are looking for a destination hike, check out Florida’s Trail Towns. Each one provides a vibrant location for outdoor fun, including hiking, biking, horseback riding or canoeing and kayaking. To find a trail near you, use our statewide Online Trail Guide.

Dates to Remember

Feb. 7 – Wear Red for Women’s Heart Health Day

Feb. 14 – Valentine’s Day

For an extra special Valentine’s Day, take a hike with your sweetheart for both your hearts.

Hike for Your Health Challenge

Hikers are invited to complete a virtual 5K to celebrate Hiking Trails Month. Just walk a 5K or 3.1 miles on any given day in February. Register here to tell us when you completed the 5K and which trail you enjoyed. You will receive cool race gear for your photos on social media. You’ll be able to down a virtual race bib, photo frame and background for your virtual meetings. Use #HikeForYourHealth.

Getting started is easy:

1. Find a trail in the statewide network of trails using this Online Trail Guide.

2. Use your favorite fitness tracker to count your miles.

3. Get Outside and Hike or Walk (5K or 3.1 miles)

4. Register here to tell us you completed the Hike for Your Health Challenge.

5. Complete challenge and win digital prizes.

Share your experiences on social media using #HikeForYourHealth and encourage your family members and friends to participate too.


Samantha Browne
Bureau Chief
Division of Recreation and Parks

Office of Greenways and Trails

Draft 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan Public Comment Period

Draft 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan Public Comment Period

The Heartland Regional Transportation Planning Organization (HRTPO) is seeking comments from the public on the Draft 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) which identifies regional goals and transportation projects. Comments are accepted through February 25, 2021. After the comment period closes and all input has been considered, final documents will be presented for adoption to the HRTPO Board on March 10 with at least seven (7) days public notice.

Learn more or view the draft plan at www.hrtpo2045.org

The Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) provides a common vision for the community’s future transportation needs and guides the investment of public funds in transportation facilities, addressing a timeline of 25 years. It includes both short and long term transportation strategies using multiple modes of transportation for moving people and goods. As one of the major planning documents of the HRTPO, the long range plan was developed in conjunction with local governments and citizens of the Heartland.

Submit a comment:
Email: info@heartlandregionaltpo.org
Mail: Heartland Regional Transportation Planning Organization, 555 East Church Street, Bartow, FL 33830
Call: (863) 534-7130 x 134

FY22-FY26 Draft Tentative Work Program

FY22-FY26 Draft Tentative Work Program

FDOT, District One has made the FY22-FY26 Draft Tentative Work Program available, and the ePublic Hearing has been advertised to be held on January 11, 2021 – January 15, 2021 (Monday – Friday).  

The FY22-FY26 Draft Tentative Work Program by County is available here: http://swflroads.com/WorkProgram/2020/about-the-project.html

The face to face portion of the ePublic Hearing will be held on January 12, 2021 (Tuesday) from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm at the following locations:

Bartow HQ                                                                          SWIFT Center

801 N. Broadway                                                              10041 Daniels Parkway

Bartow, FL, 33830                                                             Fort Myers, FL, 33913

(800)292-3368                                                                    (239) 225-1900

During the ePublic Hearing timeframe, the Draft Tentative Work Program can be reviewed and comments can be left electronically through the website SWFLRoads.com or during the face to face meeting comments can be left in person.  Additionally, a GoToWebinar will be conducted during the ePublic Hearing on January 12th to allow participation virtually.  Please use the link below to register for the webinar: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7056467027085747983

District One will present the Draft Tentative Work Program to the HRTPO Board at their meeting on January 20, 2021.