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Comprehensive Plan INTRODUCTION Transportation Element Transportation is a key component of every community's infrastructure. While a community's transportation system connects land uses within the community, it also connects the community to other areas in the state, country, and world. The transportation system itself consists of several components. These components include: the roadway or traffic circulation system; the transit system; the pedestrian/bicycle system; and the air/water port system. Each plays a vital role in creating a coordinated transportation system. In Indian River County, as in most jurisdictions, the traffic circulation system is the most visible component of the transportation system. The traffic circulation system is particularly significant because it not only provides for travel needs within and through the county, but it also provides direct access to land parcels, residences and businesses. Consequently, the relationship between land use and transportation is of great consequence. Generally, travel patterns and transportation demand result from land use patterns. For that reason, the location and intensity of development determine the number, length, and routing of trips which determine the need for transportation system improvements. On the other hand, transportation improvements, themselves, can influence development patterns. For example, building roads and providing access to undeveloped areas can increase the development potential of an area. For these reasons, coordination between transportation planning and land use planning is important. The intent of this element is to recognize these travel patterns and effectively address transportation issues in Indian River County. BACKGROUND In 1990, the Census Bureau designated the city of Vero Beach and the densely populated area around the city as an urbanized area. By definition, an urbanized area is a census designation determined by concentrations of population. In 2004, the Indian River County urbanized area changed as a result of the 2000 census. Now known as the Vero Beach/Sebastian urbanized area, this area is defined by the Urbanized Area Boundary (UAB) shown in Figure 4.1. Within Indian River County, the Indian River County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is the organization responsible for regional transportation planning. Although the MPO is a separate organization, the MPO shares staff members and other resources with the county. As a result, coordination between the county and the MPO in the preparation and implementation of this element and other plans is truly cooperative. In carrying out its role as the regional transportation planning agency in the county, the MPO has used county staff and resources to produce many plans. These plans include a 2030 Long Range Transportation Plan (adopted December 2005), a Congestion Management System Plan (adopted May 2004), a Bicycle - Pedestrian Plan (adopted July 2004), and a Transit Development Plan (adopted September 2008 and revised annually). The MPO has also developed and calibrated a countywide transportation planning model. Community Development Department Indian River County 5