So How the Heck Do these Transportation Projects Happen Anyway?

These 9 Questions are not only applicable to transportation projects:  I think I'll start asking these of EVERYONE who approaches me for funding of any sort for any project.  Thanks TPO for this!

That's what I learned a lot more about in an intense deep-dive this weekend in Orlando.

Money doesn't just fall out of the sky to fund these projects, after all.  We all know this but it is extremely helpful to have experts tell you exactly how the process (supposedly) works.

And there are some tremendously intricate laws that govern these expenditures, how they get funded, the politics of the process, who pays what, who truly has the power,  and most importantly--how long it takes to get these things done.

That's what I spent my whole weekend learning about in Orlando.  And I am not saying I am now officially an expert. But I was given a TON of information in a SHORT weekend seminar--and most dangerously--I was given links to the data sources and contact information for FLC staff that are standing by to help.

The greatest part of this is that I now have enough knowledge to know exactly what I did not know before, where to get the information I need, and contact information for the officials and professionals that live and breathe this issue 24-7, 365.  And, again,  these folks want to help us going forward.

So it was  INCREDIBLY beneficial for me (and for my constituents in Escambia County) to be able to attend this conference:  I met fellow TPO and  MPO members from around the state, found out WHO to call for real answers, and what we need to do to move legitimately needed and necessary projects forward in Escambia County. 

I'm looking forward, now more than ever, to becoming the chairman of the TPO later this  summer--now I feel like I have the additional information I need to be as effective as I can possibly be in this new position for the people that pay my salary.

Stay tuned and look out!