Transportation Surtax Oversight Board Regular Meeting – April 24, 2026

The meeting of the Independent Transportation Surtax Oversight Board convened on April 24, 2026, at 9:30 AM at 1 North University Drive, Plantation, FL. The board welcomed new member Tracy Kaplan, a professional engineer. Key actions included approval of surtax funding for climate resiliency projects, noting of financial audit results and federal grant matches, and extensive updates from county departments. The board also received public comment on the Sheridan Street widening project and reviewed new visualization and dashboard tools.

Consent Calendar

• Motion to approve minutes of the February 6, 2026, meeting. Approved unanimously.
• Motion to recommend approval of $500,000 in surtax funding (within FY 2026 second budget amendment) for two new climate resiliency projects (MAP IDs C02 and C09, $250,000 each) for drainage studies and predesign on Third Avenue and Andrews Avenue near Broward Boulevard. Approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mr. Vargas (Professional engineer, resident of Pembroke Falls HOA Phase 1) spoke during the Sheridan Street project update. He stated that the community opposes the proposed six-lane widening and requested the county evaluate a four-lane alternative with intersection improvements (dual left turns at NW 136th and NW 146th). He argued that the bottleneck at Flamingo Road would persist regardless of widening and that a four-lane option would be less costly, shorter duration, and reduce air quality and noise impacts. He noted a letter submitted April 23 requesting this analysis.

Discussion Items

• Climate Resiliency Projects (Item 2): County staff Tony Huey and Richard Tornis presented the request for $500,000 for two drainage studies. They explained these are the first "C group" climate resiliency projects, addressing flooding at Broward Boulevard intersections. Staff noted collaboration with FDOT and the City of Fort Lauderdale. Board members asked about design scope (potential road raising, pumping stations), pedestrian safety, and alignment with future light rail. Approved after discussion.
• FY 2025 Financial Audit (Item 3): Scott Bassett and Ashley McIntyre from RSM presented a clean (unmodified) audit opinion. No adjustments or recommendations. Total fund balance as of Sept 30, 2025: $2.4 billion. Surtax revenues for FY 2025 were $542 million. Board questions touched on revenue forecasting and encumbrances. The audit was noted for the record; no vote required.
• Motions to Note for Record (Items 4,5,6): Three items were presented for information only: (4) $9.46M surtax as local match for FDOT Automated People Mover grant (Aviation Department); (5) $5.12M local match for Low or No Emissions Grant (transit vehicles – hybrid buses); (6) $5.1M local match for BUILD grant (Copans Operations and Maintenance Facility improvements). Board accepted these as noted.
• Transportation Department Surtax Program Updates: Corey Coplonagan covered federal grant applications (Low/No Emissions grant of $20.4M with $5.12M surtax match; BUILD grant of $20.6M with $5.1M surtax match), Tri‑Rail funding challenges, state legislative updates, and federal budget outlook (proposed 63% cut to CIG grants). She also highlighted the update on electric buses – 31 of 42 Proterra buses are parked and being disposed of due to bankruptcy and reliability issues; future fleet will focus on hybrid low‑emission buses.
• Office of Economic & Small Business Development Updates: Mabel presented data showing surtax projects exceeding small business participation goals (county avg 38%, municipal avg 39% awarded commitments). She reported 93% of closed projects exceeded goals. Economic impact model (IMPLAN) estimates hundreds of jobs and millions in local GDP. Board discussed thresholds for small business certification and federal DBE program changes.
• Public Works Sheridan Street Project Update: Richard Tornis and Ming Tangli presented the widening of Sheridan Street from I‑75 to Flamingo Road (four to six lanes). Traffic data indicated the road exceeded level of service D threshold and projected 2045 traffic necessitates widening. Staff detailed six concerns raised by the Pembroke Falls HOA and how they are being addressed (light shielding, noise mitigation via landscaping and new pavement, speeding countermeasures, intersection improvements at 136th Ave, air quality improvements, construction staging). Board member Doug Kuhlman expressed support for staff recommendation, while Mr. Vargas continued to advocate for a four-lane alternative. The board took no action; it was an informational update.
• Bicycle & Pedestrian Project Visualization Proof-of-Concept: Phil McChesney and team presented a 90-second video showing before/after of a completed multimodal project (Dixie Highway/Atlantic Blvd in Pompano Beach) using Google Earth, drone footage, and stills. Board members requested more ground-level photos and less reliance on aerials; some suggested a trip‑planning GIS tool. Staff will iterate based on feedback.
• Internal Dashboard Review: Gretchen Cassini demonstrated a new Power BI dashboard providing surtax revenues, appropriations by category (transit, public works, municipal, multimodal, etc.), leverage/matching dollars ($800M+ to date), and completed projects with visual symbology. Board members praised the tool as intuitive and comprehensive; it will be made available to board and county administration.
• Municipal Surtax Program Update: Gretchen Cassini reported progress on the Third Amendment allocation: 13 municipalities applied for competitive grants, 9 awarded; one pending agreement. Microtransit component added. Several cities deferred funds for larger future projects.
• Legislative Updates: Stuart Rimland provided state and federal updates. State budget expected around $104 billion (down from $115B). Property tax reform discussions continue (House bill would eliminate non-school property taxes for homesteads, projected $600M impact to Broward). Federal: BIL expires September 2026; surface reauthorization likely delayed until after elections; CIG grants face steep cuts in President’s proposed budget. County submitted a $2.5M appropriation request for Copans integrated control center (sponsored by Rep. Moskowitz).

Key Outcomes

• Approved $500,000 for two climate resiliency projects (Item 2).
• Noted for record FY 2025 financial audit (Item 3).
• Noted for record three grant match motions (Items 4,5,6).
• Board provided feedback on visualization tool and dashboard; staff will refine and expand.
• No vote taken on Sheridan Street project; board acknowledged ongoing community engagement.
• Board chair noted 100% participation in pre‑meeting briefings and requested continued focus on airport/port congestion.
• The meeting included a ceremonial farewell to retiring MAP Administrator Gretchen Cassini, who will be succeeded by a new administrator.
• Next meeting: FY 2027 Budget Workshop & Regular Meeting, Friday, August 14, 2026, 9:30 AM.