Pasco MPO presents Resiliency Improvement Plan with fiber, stormwater and 'cool corridors' recommendations

Consultants updated the board on the Pasco County Transportation Resiliency Improvement Plan, which assesses vulnerability across hazards and recommends projects, programs and policies for 5‑, 10‑ and 20‑year horizons.

Chris Zupa explained the technical work: a vulnerability index combined with an asset criticality index to identify corridors that are both exposed to hazards and critical to the transportation network. Stakeholder interviews flagged priorities including fuller fiber‑optic connectivity for traffic operations, power resilience for the school district and transit, and stormwater conveyance projects to reduce flood impacts.

The plan’s project ideas included 'cool corridors' (tree canopy and heat mitigation on multi‑use paths), elevated traffic control cabinets, solar and battery options for traffic operations, dynamic message signs, and fiber expansions. Consultants noted some stormwater projects already in mitigation funding pipelines and recommended coordination to accelerate delivery.

Commissioners urged the team to incorporate specific local drainage and outfall projects — several speakers named a Southern Outfall project and other conveyance fixes — into the final plan and to pursue coordination with property owners and FDOT. Consultants agreed to add identified items and highlighted a project website for further input.

No board vote was required for the update; staff said the plan will be finalized in the coming weeks and integrated with MPO planning.