Don Scott, Executive Director, Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), presented at the February 2022 meeting of The ECCL. The MPO is the County’s transportation partnership responsible for transportation planning all of Lee County. The MPO’s mission is “to provide leadership and promote regional mobility, encourage a positive investment climate and foster sustainable development sensitive to community and natural resources.”

Don explained the inner workings of the organization and the five advisory committees that provide input to the MPO Board. While the MPO focuses on Federal and State funding, they list all funds’ sources (County, Municipality, and Developer). The MPO Transportation Plan identifies the way projects are funded, the budgeting process, and planning. The MPO’s budget includes funding for safety outreach activities to educate and push for Improved safety and user behavior to help reduce fatalities, injuries, and crashes. Currently, the MPO is performing a “Rails to Trails” study funded with state “Sun Trail” funds. Don encouraged the attendees to get involved in the process, attend meetings, and sign up for e-mail news and meeting info.