03/5/21 

The No Roads to Ruin Steering Committee has a new statement regarding SB 100 — the bill filed by Senator Gayle Harrell that would repeal the M-CORES program, but leave one of the proposed toll roads, the Northern Turnpike Connector, on the books. The Senate Transportation Committee passed SB 100 passed 5-3 this week on 3/3/21:

The No Roads to Ruin Coalition Steering Committee cannot support SB 100 in its current form because of the potential for new toll roads through important natural and rural areas. We will oppose SB 100 until the possibility of a Northern Turnpike Connector is removed from the bill.

Any expansion to existing roadways should depend upon the demonstration of need and fiscal feasibility while not negatively impacting our water and natural resources, rural communities, communities of color, and agricultural lands.

We support a full repeal of M-CORES and its funding of all programs associated with the Southwest-Central, Northern Turnpike, and Suncoast Corridors through the passage of SB 1030 and HB 763.

The No Roads to Ruin Coalition Steering Committee includes the Center for Biological Diversity, Conservancy of Southwest Florida, Florida Conservation Voters, Florida Springs Council, Progress Florida, Sierra Club Florida, and Save the Manatee Club. The coalition is made up of over 100 organizations and businesses across the state.

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