ROGG action alert

"Tamiami Trail Modifications: Next Steps" (TTM projecct)

A study is being conducted to build more bridges along US 41 immediately
west of Krome Ave for the purpose of restoring water flow to the Everglades.
The recommended $330 million plan includes 5.5 miles of bridges,
but DOES NOT INCLUDE A PATHWAY.

We must convince planners to include a multi-use pathway in their study.
This is do-able – if we have strong public response.

How you can help:
submit public comments before July 27 at TTM website
or by email to Bruce_Boler@nps.gov
or by mail to Bruce Boler, NPS/ENP, 950 N Krome Ave, Homestead, FL 33030

Main suggested comments:
I support restoration of the Everglades, however the current plan lacks full consideration of bicycle/pedestrian needs. I urge you to
1) evaluate a multi-use pathway in the EIS;
2) include a multi-use pathway in the final plan; and
3) consider the safety of cyclists and pedestrians in road/bridge designs.

... feel free to add any or all of the "reasons" below
... more details below

What is TTM?

Tamiami Trail Modification: Next Steps (TTM) is a project to study additional bridging of the Tamiami Trail to restore water flow within the Everglades.
• project area is 11 miles long, between 1-12 miles west of Krome Ave (outskirts of Miami).
• lead agency is Everglades National Park, in technical collaboration with Army Corps of Engineers.

A Draft Environmental Impact Study (EIS) has been released for public comment. The preferred $330 million plan includes 5.5 bridge miles and DOES NOT INCLUDE A PATHWAY.

TTM information available at <http://parkplanning.nps.gov/>, select “Everglades NP” from the drop down box, then “Tamiami Trail Modifications: Next Steps Project”.

Multi-use pathway

Proposed pathway: a hard-surfaced 12-ft-wide pathway for non-motorized transportation and recreation, separated from traffic, and safe for users of all abilities and ages.

Reasons to include multi-use pathway in EIS

• The pathway provides a unique opportunity for education of Everglades restoration. Panoramic views from bridges will provide excellent platforms for witnessing restoration, and best appreciated at speeds far below 55 mph. Without the pathway, TTM project has negligible educational value, yet a primary mission of the National Parks is education.

• Encouraging non-motorized transportation within the Everglades natural area magnifies the environmental value of this project.
    Pathway will reduce congestion; reduce carbon emissions; reduce dependency on oil; promote clean energy; improve visitor mobility and accessibility.
    Pathway will benefit environment regionally AND globally.

• US 41 is an integral transportation corridor, thus a full evaluation of transportation issues should be included in the EIS.
    US 41 is the only cross-state transportation corridor in southern Florida open to cyclists and hikers, and the sole access road to innumerable Everglades destinations.

• A multi-use pathway, the River of Grass Greenway (ROGG), is planned across the state along US 41. Pathway in TTM project would become a component of ROGG. Adding a pathway after TTM is completed would be very costly.

Cost of pathway

Unknown. Need to include pathway in EIS to determine cost/benefit. Preliminary estimates suggest at 10.8% increase in cost.