Every year the Broward MPO Board adopts legislative priorities for its advocacy teams to pursue during the upcoming Federal and State legislative sessions. The priorities selected for 2021 are included in the Attachment. These priorities reflect the Board's mission to Move People & Goods, Create Jobs, and Strengthen Communities by seeking additional funding and flexibility in funding for MPO programs to expand. As is the case with all matters concerning advocacy, local contribution dollars are utilized in order to provide these services as federal law precludes the use of federal funds for advocacy.

Federal
The combination of the new Biden Administration and the expiring Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act has created a fortunate opportunity to expand funding and eligibility for Federal Transportation Programs. The previously proposed HR-2 has been pushed aside for a new reauthorization bill. MPO staff is working with its Federal advocacy team to insert language beneficial to our region into the draft legislation.

State
MPO staff is working with its state advocacy firm to monitor upcoming legislation and provide new recommendations to legislatures on new bills affecting the transportation system. This year, the State of Florida is projecting a budget shortfall, and we expect reductions to all State programs. The State's Multi-use Corridors of Regional Economic Significance (M-CORES) projects are likely to be cut due to insufficient funds.

At the upcoming meeting, MPO staff will provide a brief update on the MPO's 2021 Federal and State legislative priorities (see Attachment 1). For the PowerPoint presentation, see Attachment 2.

If you have any questions about this item, please contact Paul Calvaresi at (954) 876-0037 or calveresip@browardmpo.org.