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CASSELBERRY CITY COMMISSION <br />Minutes of March 19, 2012 — Special Meeting <br />Page 3 of 4 <br />projects they would have liked. He credited Secretary of Transportation Ananth Prasad for his part in making <br />this happen, stating that there were two things in particular that were unique to this year. He stated that the <br />first was that the Department had a very conservative view about what federal highway funds were going to <br />be available, and they were able to recognize significant savings as many of the bids came in lower than <br />expected. As a result, there were more federal funds available for projects. Additionally, the Legislature has <br />moved about $130 million from tags and fees back into the State Transportation Trust Fund. He explained <br />that this fund had been used to make up the state shortfall over the past few years, and as a result there was <br />little money left over for priority projects and promised projects. He further explained that now that the <br />monies are being put back into the fund, this has resulted in the ability to fund a couple more projects. He <br />explained that because of these federal and state dollars and the new way they are being allocated, they are <br />now able to go ahead and fulfill the promise of the flyover and he is happy they are able to do it and will help <br />in any other way he can. <br />Representative Dorworth stated that the indecision over many years about the project had cast a pall over the <br />area and area business owners. He explained that it was difficult for businesses to plan and decide whether to <br />spend money to grow the business and expand infrastructure when it was unknown whether the roads would <br />be there to support it. He commended the City on sending good representatives to Tallahassee on its behalf, <br />and noted that there had been a rare intersection of preparation, good luck and good fortune and the timing <br />worked out perfectly. He also noted his appreciation for Secretary Prasad, and added that he felt that a great <br />service has been done for Central Florida, that this is not just a City project, but a regional and state project. <br />He added that in addition to the great benefit of allowing Casselberry to control its own destiny in how it <br />grows in that area, it will alleviate some of the traffic and congestion at one of the busiest intersections in the <br />region. He concluded by stating that based on the way traffic projects get funded, this was a bit of a miracle <br />because it doesn't happen very often where you have that perfect alignment of extra money being available <br />and having a project like this that is ready to go. <br />Discussion: A brief discussion ensued regarding whether the project would have to go through MetroPlan, <br />the draw that the finished product will be for businesses to come into the City, and also touching on some <br />additional visioning ideas the Commission has for the area. <br />Mr. Gisclar extended an invitation to Representatives Dorworth and Brodeur to attend the upcoming jazz <br />event in Concord Park. <br />Mayor Glancy thanked the Public Works Director and Assistant Public Works Director and other City staff <br />who have also worked toward making this project a reality. <br />