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TREASU_REr`; 1N-DIAN `RIV-'E EGIONAL PLAN NINGf�'_OUN-CIL — LU_Cr-E T -I --N - PALM • MEMORANDUM To: The Honorable Rick Scott, Governor Treasure Coast Legislative Delegation From: Michael J. Busha, AICP Executive Director Date: March 10, 2014 Subject: All Aboard Florida B`EACI-I` The All Aboard Florida (AAF) project, proposed by Florida East Coast Industries (ITCH, has been the subject of extensive Council and local government discussion since its announcement in May 2012. The reintroduction of passenger rail service on the Florida East Coast rail corridor has been a long-standing regional priority and has the potential for improved mobility and varied economic and environmental benefits. However, the service as currently proposed concentrates public benefits in communities where stations are planned (West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Orlando), but imposes costs and impacts to all local governments along the corridor. There are virtually no public benefits provided to communities north of Palm Beach County. In addition, cargo -related train traffic is expected to increase with proposed rail corridor and seaport capacity improvements, creating further local and regional impacts. A better balance of shared benefits and reduced costs is necessary to protect all local governments and citizens throughout the Treasure Coast Region. There are several opportunities available to help mitigate project impacts and more fairly distribute public benefits throughout the Region. These include: • State Fundina for Quiet Zone Improvements Direct the Florida Rail Enterprise to make quiet zone improvements in the corridor a top priority and allocate sufficient funding from the Transportation Regional Incentive Program (TRIP), from the Strategic Internodal System (SIS), and other sources for local governments to establish quiet zones, with safe pedestrian pathways, at all grade crossings along the AAF route. - FDOT should be compelled to require FECI install the highest degree of safety infrastructure at all grade crossings to enable the establishment of quiet zones at the lowest possible cost to state and local government. "Bringing Communities Together' • Est.1976 421 SW Camden Avenue - Stuart, Florida 34994 Phone (772) 221-4060 - Fax (772) 221-4067 -nr.=- a50. A. 10.