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DRAFT Subject to modifications will require reconstruction of the 352 existing grade crossings. FECI has completed diagnostic field reviews from Miami -Dade to Martin County to determine anticipated safety improvements, with field reviews for the remaining counties anticipated later this spring. Although not necessarily required by current grade crossing agreements, FECI has indicated it will fund the cost of all safety improvements necessary for the operation of the proposed AAF service. The added safety improvements and equipment to be installed by FECI will help in achieving quiet zone designations at locally selected grade crossings. Many communities along the corridor have prioritized quiet zones, where no train horns must be sounded due to more extensive safety equipment. At the request of the Palm Beach and Broward Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), FECI and FDOT are working collaboratively in support of a TIGER grant to fund quiet zone safety infrastructure in these two counties. A similar effort has not been initiated by the northern MPOs/TPOs thus far. To reduce costs to local governments and improve conditions along the FEC corridor, the following mitigating measures are suggested: • Provide FDOT Funding for Quiet Zone Construction Costs: It is expected that additional infrastructure will be required at many grade crossings to increase the safety rating sufficient for quiet zone designation. FDOT and local governments should work together to identify appropriate sources of transportation funding (e.g., Strategic Intermodal System, Transportation Regional Incentive Program (TRIP) funds) to fill the quiet zone funding gap, thereby relieving local governments of this financial obligation. • Provide FECI and FDOT Support for Quiet Zone TIGER Grant for Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River Counties: To help fund quiet zones, the Palm Beach and Broward MPOs are working with local governments, in collaboration with FECI and FDOT, to submit a TIGER grant application in April 2014. Each of these MPOs has allocated local funding towards this effort, totaling $8.6 million. The northern MPO/TPOs have more limited funding but will receive larger project impacts. FDOT and FECI should work together with local governments and the MPO/TPOs in Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River counties to provide sufficient funding to enable a TIGER grant for all five counties for quiet zone infrastructure costs. Brevard County's Space Coast TPO should also be considered a partner in the TIGER grant application. • Provide FECI Support for Installation of Safe Pedestrian Pathways at All Grade Crossings: The higher speed and more frequent train service proposed by FECI creates a heightened demand for safe pedestrian pathways at legal grade crossings to discourage illegal pedestrian trespassing across the rail corridor. In addition to the installation of pedestrian barriers as necessary, FECI, FDOT, and local governments should work together to identify measures by which sidewalks can be incorporated into the project as part of the corridor safety improvements. This would reduce the capital cost burden to local governments. • Establish Consistent, Predicable, and Reasonable FECI Grade Crossing Fee Schedule for Local Governments: Each of the 352 grade crossings between Cocoa and Miami is governed by an independent grade crossing agreement. Reviews of agreements 3 asoA.3.