| Q: |
Tom Cunilio: Inquired about
the function of the I-75 Corridor Council. |
| A: |
Joe Montalto explained that
it was formed in 1996 to work on planning for this project.
It represents six counties and eight local governments.
The chairperson is Penny Wheat. They have quarterly meetings.
The Design Team has been reporting to the chairperson,
Ms. Wheat, who has been keeping the council members informed
about the progress. |
| Q: |
Marc Mondell (Withlacoochee
Regional Planning Council): He inquired about funding
for the additional interchanges that are not covered under
the FDOT project. |
| A: |
Joe Montalto stated that
private businesses and local governments would be given
the chance to sponsor the additional interchanges. The
local government must agree to provide maintenance. |
| Q: |
Tom Cunilio: He inquired
about landscape design for the rest stops. |
| A: |
Joe Montalto stated that
we are coordinating with the teams that are designing/renovating
the rest stops by comparing materials and layout. The
Lochrane Design Team will be designing landscaping for
the rest stop at the state line. |
| Q: |
Marc Mondell (Withlacoochee
Regional Planning Council): He wanted to know if we are
going to "theme" other interchanges the way we have "themed"
the Lake City interchange. |
| A: |
Joe Montalto stated that
part of the reason for having the public meetings was
to get input from local governments and organizations
for ways to theme other interchanges. The different design
alternatives that come up during the PD&E phase will go
from basic landscape improvements to incorporating hardscape
elements such as the cannons at Lake City. |
| Q: |
Tom Cunilio: He asked if
we could define specifically any ecosystems throughout
the corridor. |
| A: |
Joe Montalto stated that
we would be defining the ecosystems during the PD&E phase.
He brought up the slide titled "Overall Design Concepts"
that identified general ecosystems such as "upland". Buford
Davis stated that the ecosystems would be identified in
order to select an appropriate plant palate. |
| Q: |
Ken Stewart (FDOT District
5): He inquired how an individual would go about becoming
involved in this project, and whether they should become
involved now, or after the PD&E phase. |
| A: |
Joe Montalto said that he
would like to get input now from the public. He will be
contacting local media in order to get the word out about
the project. He would like for the public to use the website
to email their ideas and comments, and the Design Team
will actually be going out and talking with potential
sponsors for the 22 additional interchanges. |
