|
The ARPC serves as a critical communication and coordination link to
local, state, and federal transportation planning issues in the areas of highway, transit, air, rail, or bicycle, and pedestrian
facilities. This link broadens the scope of state transportation planning to include local land use desires, environmental
factors, economic goals, and community preservation. To support this effort, the ARPC staff works with transportation professionals
and state and local government representatives to provide regional direction and to foster regional transportation planning.
The ARPC's activities related to this program include coordinating with the Tallahassee-Leon County Metropolitan Planning
Organization; conducting annual level of service analyses for all counties and cities within the Region, with the exception
of Tallahassee and Leon County; and participating in a variety of transportation oriented program, such as the North Florida
Commuter Assistance Program, and the Leon County Community Traffic Safety Team.
 |
 |
 |
|
Development of Regional
Impact Program
Developments of Regional Impact (DRIs) are defined as "any development,
which, because of its character, magnitude, or location, would have a
substantial effect upon the health, safety, or welfare of citizens of more than
one county." The ARPC conducts a technical review of DRIs in the region for
consistency with its Strategic Regional Policy
Plan, state statutes, rules, and the applicable local government
comprehensive plan(s), ensuring that even the most complex issues of natural
resource protection and management, public services, housing, transportation,
and the area economy are appropriately addressed. In its review, the ARPC
focuses on the identification and mitigation of impacts to resources and
facilities of regional significance.
Disaster Mitigation
Program
Disaster mitigation and recovery consist of indentifying methods to reduce
the population's vulnerability to disasters. Dating back to Tropical Storm
Alberto in 1994, the ARPC has assisted several of its member local governments
in identifying and securing federal, state, and local funds for redevelopment
activities. The recovery funds are used to repair and replace damaged public
infrastructure and alleviate economic injury. Mitigations funds are used to
assist citizens in accomplishing mitigation activities such as relocation from
flood prone areas and the acquisition of elevation of structures located in the
floodplain. Long-term mitigation activities will be implemented over several
years as the ARPC continues to work with its local governments and citizens in
need.
Return to top
Dispute Resolution
Program
Section 186.508, F.S., directs regional planning councils to
adopt a regional dispute resolution process, designed to bring to closure in a
timely manner disputes that pertain to comprehensive planning issues and
development proposals which would have impacts on adjacent local governments or
regional resources or facilities. The ARPC's dispute resolution process provides
a neutral setting with a facilitator, mediator, or non-binding arbitrator, where
conflicting parties can cooperatively resolve their differences. It endeavors to
be a flexible process that will clearly identify and resolve problems as early
as possible, utilize procedures in a low-to-high cost sequence, allow
flexibility, provide for the appropriate involvement of affected parties, and
provide as much process certainty as possible. Although this process was created
for resolving planning, growth management, and other issues among local
governments, state and regional agencies, and private interests, the Council
provides this service to any organization or individual in the Apalachee
Region.
Economic
Development
The economic development efforts of the ARPC are based on a collaborative
approach that identifies issues and problems which transcend jurisdictional
boundaries. The ARPC provides direct and specific assistance to public,
nonprofit, and private entities in the Region to address local economic
concerns. This approach is designed to create jobs, increase per capita income,
expand the tax base of member local governments, and alleviate economic distress
in the Apalachee Region to improve the quality of life of its citzens.
The ARPC works with numerous local governments and economic development
organizations (such as Chambers of Commerce) to identify funding opportunities
for the provision of infrastructure to industrial and commercial sites to
support small business development. Furthermore, enabled by the U.S. Department
of Commerce Economic Devleopment Administration's designation of the Region as
an Economic Development District, the ARPC provides technical assistance to
local governments in the form of economic analyses, staff support, leadership
training and development, research, federal grant and loan preparation,
strategic plans development, and other related activities. ARPC also administers
federal grants and loans for local jurisdictions.
Return to top
Hazardous Materials
Program
ARPC staff has been coordinating the District II Local
Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) for the region since 1988. The LEPC
represents a broad range of occupational categories including elected state and
local officials, non-elected local officials, law enforcement, civil defense,
firefighting, first aid, health, local environmental, hospital, transportation,
print media, community groups, facility operators, interested citizens, and
water management district personnel. The LEPC was created to implement the Emergency
Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act. The primary tasks of the LEPC are
to provide guidance in the development of the Regional Hazardous Materials
Emergency Response Plan, plan and execute hazardous materials emergency
exercises, sponsor hazardous materials training opportunities, educate the
public about chemical risks and the availability of public information and serve
as the regional repository for hazardous materials information.
Hazardous Waste Verification
Program
In 1976, Congress enacted the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act to protect public health and the environment
from improper management of hazardous waste. To improve management and disposal
of hazardous wastes in the State, the Florida Legislature requires each local
government to prepare an assessment identifying hazardous waste generators
within a jurisdiction, types, and quantities of waste generated, current waste
management practices, abandoned dump sites, and operating procedures for
landfills.
Return to top
Intergovernmental
Coordination Program
The philosophy of regionalism is an approach that recognizes the value of
dealing with issues and needs of greater-than-local concern by incorporating the
concerns of many affected communities. The ARPC subscribes to this philosophy by
providing the most cost-effective mechanism for addressing problems that can
only be addressed through collaborative efforts and cooperation among all
affected parties.
Plan Review Program
Reviewing local government comprehensive plan amendments to ensure their
consistency with local and regional plans continues to be one of the ARPC's
primary responsibilities. Comments regarding consistency with the SRPP assist local governments to clarify and
improve the contents of the comprehensive plan and identify potential issues
that may adversely affect resources or facilities of regional significance or
that have extra-jurisdictional impacts (i.e., affect neighboring jurisdictions).
The ARPC also assists local governments in the preparation of Evaluation and
Appraisal Reports and amendment and implementation of their respective
comprehensive plans by providing planning information and technical assistance.
This assistance includes pre-adoption courtesy reviews of comprehensive plan
amendments, impact analyses, demographic data, and helping to ensure statute and
rule complaince.
Return to top
Regional Planning
Program
One of the most significant modifications to the role of the regional
planning councils came as a result of the 1992 Environmental Land Management
Study Committee III (ELMS III). ELMS III recognized RPCs as the only
multi-purpose regional entities in the State and made several recommendations to
Governor Lawton Chiles to enhance their primary mission as planning and
coordinating entities. In response, the 1993 Legislature reaffirmed the RPCs
role as Florida's only regional entities that are in a position to plan for and
coordinate intergovernmental solutions to growth-related problems on
greater-than-local issues, provide technical assistance to local governments,
and meet other needs of the communities in each region.
In accordance with the recommendation of ELMS III, as adopted in Section 186.507, F.S., the ARPC adopted on June 27, 1996, a Strategic Regional Policy Plan (SRPP). The SRPP addresses
the following areas of regional significance: affordable housing, regional transportation, economic development, emergency preparedness, and natural resources. The SRPP is used as a guide for
shaping the Region's future; as a framework to link planning and implementation
activities of various entities; to review local comprehensive plans,
developments of regional impact, federal funding requests, and environmental
permits; to facilitate resolution of disputes in planning and growth management
issues; and as a policy document to guide the Council's activities.
Regional
Transportation
The ARPC serves as a critical communication and coordination link to local,
state, and federal transportation planning issues in the areas of highway,
transit, air, rail, or bicycle, and pedestrian facilities. This link broadens
the scope of state transportation planning to include local land use desires,
environmental factors, economic goals, and community preservation. To support
this effort, the ARPC staff works with transportation professionals and state
and local government representatives to provide regional direction and to foster
regional transportation planning. The ARPC's activities related to this program
include coordinating with the Tallahassee-Leon County Metropolitan Planning
Organization; conducting annual level of service analyses for all counties and
cities within the Region, with the exception of Tallahassee and Leon County; and
participating in a variety of transportation oriented program, such as the North
Florida Commuter Assistance Program, and the Leon County Community Traffic
Safety Team. | | |
 |
 |
 |
|
Development of Regional
Impact Program
Developments of Regional Impact (DRIs) are defined as "any development,
which, because of its character, magnitude, or location, would have a
substantial effect upon the health, safety, or welfare of citizens of more than
one county." The ARPC conducts a technical review of DRIs in the region for
consistency with its Strategic Regional Policy
Plan, state statutes, rules, and the applicable local government
comprehensive plan(s), ensuring that even the most complex issues of natural
resource protection and management, public services, housing, transportation,
and the area economy are appropriately addressed. In its review, the ARPC
focuses on the identification and mitigation of impacts to resources and
facilities of regional significance.
Disaster Mitigation
Program
Disaster mitigation and recovery consist of indentifying methods to reduce
the population's vulnerability to disasters. Dating back to Tropical Storm
Alberto in 1994, the ARPC has assisted several of its member local governments
in identifying and securing federal, state, and local funds for redevelopment
activities. The recovery funds are used to repair and replace damaged public
infrastructure and alleviate economic injury. Mitigations funds are used to
assist citizens in accomplishing mitigation activities such as relocation from
flood prone areas and the acquisition of elevation of structures located in the
floodplain. Long-term mitigation activities will be implemented over several
years as the ARPC continues to work with its local governments and citizens in
need.
Return to top
Dispute Resolution
Program
Section 186.508, F.S., directs regional planning councils to
adopt a regional dispute resolution process, designed to bring to closure in a
timely manner disputes that pertain to comprehensive planning issues and
development proposals which would have impacts on adjacent local governments or
regional resources or facilities. The ARPC's dispute resolution process provides
a neutral setting with a facilitator, mediator, or non-binding arbitrator, where
conflicting parties can cooperatively resolve their differences. It endeavors to
be a flexible process that will clearly identify and resolve problems as early
as possible, utilize procedures in a low-to-high cost sequence, allow
flexibility, provide for the appropriate involvement of affected parties, and
provide as much process certainty as possible. Although this process was created
for resolving planning, growth management, and other issues among local
governments, state and regional agencies, and private interests, the Council
provides this service to any organization or individual in the Apalachee
Region.
Economic
Development
The economic development efforts of the ARPC are based on a collaborative
approach that identifies issues and problems which transcend jurisdictional
boundaries. The ARPC provides direct and specific assistance to public,
nonprofit, and private entities in the Region to address local economic
concerns. This approach is designed to create jobs, increase per capita income,
expand the tax base of member local governments, and alleviate economic distress
in the Apalachee Region to improve the quality of life of its citzens.
The ARPC works with numerous local governments and economic development
organizations (such as Chambers of Commerce) to identify funding opportunities
for the provision of infrastructure to industrial and commercial sites to
support small business development. Furthermore, enabled by the U.S. Department
of Commerce Economic Devleopment Administration's designation of the Region as
an Economic Development District, the ARPC provides technical assistance to
local governments in the form of economic analyses, staff support, leadership
training and development, research, federal grant and loan preparation,
strategic plans development, and other related activities. ARPC also administers
federal grants and loans for local jurisdictions.
Return to top
Hazardous Materials
Program
ARPC staff has been coordinating the District II Local
Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) for the region since 1988. The LEPC
represents a broad range of occupational categories including elected state and
local officials, non-elected local officials, law enforcement, civil defense,
firefighting, first aid, health, local environmental, hospital, transportation,
print media, community groups, facility operators, interested citizens, and
water management district personnel. The LEPC was created to implement the Emergency
Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act. The primary tasks of the LEPC are
to provide guidance in the development of the Regional Hazardous Materials
Emergency Response Plan, plan and execute hazardous materials emergency
exercises, sponsor hazardous materials training opportunities, educate the
public about chemical risks and the availability of public information and serve
as the regional repository for hazardous materials information.
Hazardous Waste Verification
Program
In 1976, Congress enacted the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act to protect public health and the environment
from improper management of hazardous waste. To improve management and disposal
of hazardous wastes in the State, the Florida Legislature requires each local
government to prepare an assessment identifying hazardous waste generators
within a jurisdiction, types, and quantities of waste generated, current waste
management practices, abandoned dump sites, and operating procedures for
landfills.
Return to top
Intergovernmental
Coordination Program
The philosophy of regionalism is an approach that recognizes the value of
dealing with issues and needs of greater-than-local concern by incorporating the
concerns of many affected communities. The ARPC subscribes to this philosophy by
providing the most cost-effective mechanism for addressing problems that can
only be addressed through collaborative efforts and cooperation among all
affected parties.
Plan Review Program
Reviewing local government comprehensive plan amendments to ensure their
consistency with local and regional plans continues to be one of the ARPC's
primary responsibilities. Comments regarding consistency with the SRPP assist local governments to clarify and
improve the contents of the comprehensive plan and identify potential issues
that may adversely affect resources or facilities of regional significance or
that have extra-jurisdictional impacts (i.e., affect neighboring jurisdictions).
The ARPC also assists local governments in the preparation of Evaluation and
Appraisal Reports and amendment and implementation of their respective
comprehensive plans by providing planning information and technical assistance.
This assistance includes pre-adoption courtesy reviews of comprehensive plan
amendments, impact analyses, demographic data, and helping to ensure statute and
rule complaince.
Return to top
Regional Planning
Program
One of the most significant modifications to the role of the regional
planning councils came as a result of the 1992 Environmental Land Management
Study Committee III (ELMS III). ELMS III recognized RPCs as the only
multi-purpose regional entities in the State and made several recommendations to
Governor Lawton Chiles to enhance their primary mission as planning and
coordinating entities. In response, the 1993 Legislature reaffirmed the RPCs
role as Florida's only regional entities that are in a position to plan for and
coordinate intergovernmental solutions to growth-related problems on
greater-than-local issues, provide technical assistance to local governments,
and meet other needs of the communities in each region.
In accordance with the recommendation of ELMS III, as adopted in Section 186.507, F.S., the ARPC adopted on June 27, 1996, a Strategic Regional Policy Plan (SRPP). The SRPP addresses
the following areas of regional significance: affordable housing, regional transportation, economic development, emergency preparedness, and natural resources. The SRPP is used as a guide for
shaping the Region's future; as a framework to link planning and implementation
activities of various entities; to review local comprehensive plans,
developments of regional impact, federal funding requests, and environmental
permits; to facilitate resolution of disputes in planning and growth management
issues; and as a policy document to guide the Council's activities.
Regional
Transportation
The ARPC serves as a critical communication and coordination link to local,
state, and federal transportation planning issues in the areas of highway,
transit, air, rail, or bicycle, and pedestrian facilities. This link broadens
the scope of state transportation planning to include local land use desires,
environmental factors, economic goals, and community preservation. To support
this effort, the ARPC staff works with transportation professionals and state
and local government representatives to provide regional direction and to foster
regional transportation planning. The ARPC's activities related to this program
include coordinating with the Tallahassee-Leon County Metropolitan Planning
Organization; conducting annual level of service analyses for all counties and
cities within the Region, with the exception of Tallahassee and Leon County; and
participating in a variety of transportation oriented program, such as the North
Florida Commuter Assistance Program, and the Leon County Community Traffic
Safety Team. | | |
 |
 |
 |
|
Development of Regional
Impact Program
Developments of Regional Impact (DRIs) are defined as "any development,
which, because of its character, magnitude, or location, would have a
substantial effect upon the health, safety, or welfare of citizens of more than
one county." The ARPC conducts a technical review of DRIs in the region for
consistency with its Strategic Regional Policy
Plan, state statutes, rules, and the applicable local government
comprehensive plan(s), ensuring that even the most complex issues of natural
resource protection and management, public services, housing, transportation,
and the area economy are appropriately addressed. In its review, the ARPC
focuses on the identification and mitigation of impacts to resources and
facilities of regional significance.
Disaster Mitigation
Program
Disaster mitigation and recovery consist of indentifying methods to reduce
the population's vulnerability to disasters. Dating back to Tropical Storm
Alberto in 1994, the ARPC has assisted several of its member local governments
in identifying and securing federal, state, and local funds for redevelopment
activities. The recovery funds are used to repair and replace damaged public
infrastructure and alleviate economic injury. Mitigations funds are used to
assist citizens in accomplishing mitigation activities such as relocation from
flood prone areas and the acquisition of elevation of structures located in the
floodplain. Long-term mitigation activities will be implemented over several
years as the ARPC continues to work with its local governments and citizens in
need.
Return to top
Dispute Resolution
Program
Section 186.508, F.S., directs regional planning councils to
adopt a regional dispute resolution process, designed to bring to closure in a
timely manner disputes that pertain to comprehensive planning issues and
development proposals which would have impacts on adjacent local governments or
regional resources or facilities. The ARPC's dispute resolution process provides
a neutral setting with a facilitator, mediator, or non-binding arbitrator, where
conflicting parties can cooperatively resolve their differences. It endeavors to
be a flexible process that will clearly identify and resolve problems as early
as possible, utilize procedures in a low-to-high cost sequence, allow
flexibility, provide for the appropriate involvement of affected parties, and
provide as much process certainty as possible. Although this process was created
for resolving planning, growth management, and other issues among local
governments, state and regional agencies, and private interests, the Council
provides this service to any organization or individual in the Apalachee
Region.
Economic
Development
The economic development efforts of the ARPC are based on a collaborative
approach that identifies issues and problems which transcend jurisdictional
boundaries. The ARPC provides direct and specific assistance to public,
nonprofit, and private entities in the Region to address local economic
concerns. This approach is designed to create jobs, increase per capita income,
expand the tax base of member local governments, and alleviate economic distress
in the Apalachee Region to improve the quality of life of its citzens.
The ARPC works with numerous local governments and economic development
organizations (such as Chambers of Commerce) to identify funding opportunities
for the provision of infrastructure to industrial and commercial sites to
support small business development. Furthermore, enabled by the U.S. Department
of Commerce Economic Devleopment Administration's designation of the Region as
an Economic Development District, the ARPC provides technical assistance to
local governments in the form of economic analyses, staff support, leadership
training and development, research, federal grant and loan preparation,
strategic plans development, and other related activities. ARPC also administers
federal grants and loans for local jurisdictions.
Return to top
Hazardous Materials
Program
ARPC staff has been coordinating the District II Local
Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) for the region since 1988. The LEPC
represents a broad range of occupational categories including elected state and
local officials, non-elected local officials, law enforcement, civil defense,
firefighting, first aid, health, local environmental, hospital, transportation,
print media, community groups, facility operators, interested citizens, and
water management district personnel. The LEPC was created to implement the Emergency
Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act. The primary tasks of the LEPC are
to provide guidance in the development of the Regional Hazardous Materials
Emergency Response Plan, plan and execute hazardous materials emergency
exercises, sponsor hazardous materials training opportunities, educate the
public about chemical risks and the availability of public information and serve
as the regional repository for hazardous materials information.
Hazardous Waste Verification
Program
In 1976, Congress enacted the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act to protect public health and the environment
from improper management of hazardous waste. To improve management and disposal
of hazardous wastes in the State, the Florida Legislature requires each local
government to prepare an assessment identifying hazardous waste generators
within a jurisdiction, types, and quantities of waste generated, current waste
management practices, abandoned dump sites, and operating procedures for
landfills.
Return to top
Intergovernmental
Coordination Program
The philosophy of regionalism is an approach that recognizes the value of
dealing with issues and needs of greater-than-local concern by incorporating the
concerns of many affected communities. The ARPC subscribes to this philosophy by
providing the most cost-effective mechanism for addressing problems that can
only be addressed through collaborative efforts and cooperation among all
affected parties.
Plan Review Program
Reviewing local government comprehensive plan amendments to ensure their
consistency with local and regional plans continues to be one of the ARPC's
primary responsibilities. Comments regarding consistency with the SRPP assist local governments to clarify and
improve the contents of the comprehensive plan and identify potential issues
that may adversely affect resources or facilities of regional significance or
that have extra-jurisdictional impacts (i.e., affect neighboring jurisdictions).
The ARPC also assists local governments in the preparation of Evaluation and
Appraisal Reports and amendment and implementation of their respective
comprehensive plans by providing planning information and technical assistance.
This assistance includes pre-adoption courtesy reviews of comprehensive plan
amendments, impact analyses, demographic data, and helping to ensure statute and
rule complaince.
Return to top
Regional Planning
Program
One of the most significant modifications to the role of the regional
planning councils came as a result of the 1992 Environmental Land Management
Study Committee III (ELMS III). ELMS III recognized RPCs as the only
multi-purpose regional entities in the State and made several recommendations to
Governor Lawton Chiles to enhance their primary mission as planning and
coordinating entities. In response, the 1993 Legislature reaffirmed the RPCs
role as Florida's only regional entities that are in a position to plan for and
coordinate intergovernmental solutions to growth-related problems on
greater-than-local issues, provide technical assistance to local governments,
and meet other needs of the communities in each region.
In accordance with the recommendation of ELMS III, as adopted in Section 186.507, F.S., the ARPC adopted on June 27, 1996, a Strategic Regional Policy Plan (SRPP). The SRPP addresses
the following areas of regional significance: affordable housing, regional transportation, economic development, emergency preparedness, and natural resources. The SRPP is used as a guide for
shaping the Region's future; as a framework to link planning and implementation
activities of various entities; to review local comprehensive plans,
developments of regional impact, federal funding requests, and environmental
permits; to facilitate resolution of disputes in planning and growth management
issues; and as a policy document to guide the Council's activities.
Regional
Transportation
The ARPC serves as a critical communication and coordination link to local,
state, and federal transportation planning issues in the areas of highway,
transit, air, rail, or bicycle, and pedestrian facilities. This link broadens
the scope of state transportation planning to include local land use desires,
environmental factors, economic goals, and community preservation. To support
this effort, the ARPC staff works with transportation professionals and state
and local government representatives to provide regional direction and to foster
regional transportation planning. The ARPC's activities related to this program
include coordinating with the Tallahassee-Leon County Metropolitan Planning
Organization; conducting annual level of service analyses for all counties and
cities within the Region, with the exception of Tallahassee and Leon County; and
participating in a variety of transportation oriented program, such as the North
Florida Commuter Assistance Program, and the Leon County Community Traffic
Safety Team. | | |
 |
 |
 |
|
Development of Regional
Impact Program
Developments of Regional Impact (DRIs) are defined as "any development,
which, because of its character, magnitude, or location, would have a
substantial effect upon the health, safety, or welfare of citizens of more than
one county." The ARPC conducts a technical review of DRIs in the region for
consistency with its Strategic Regional Policy
Plan, state statutes, rules, and the applicable local government
comprehensive plan(s), ensuring that even the most complex issues of natural
resource protection and management, public services, housing, transportation,
and the area economy are appropriately addressed. In its review, the ARPC
focuses on the identification and mitigation of impacts to resources and
facilities of regional significance.
Disaster Mitigation
Program
Disaster mitigation and recovery consist of indentifying methods to reduce
the population's vulnerability to disasters. Dating back to Tropical Storm
Alberto in 1994, the ARPC has assisted several of its member local governments
in identifying and securing federal, state, and local funds for redevelopment
activities. The recovery funds are used to repair and replace damaged public
infrastructure and alleviate economic injury. Mitigations funds are used to
assist citizens in accomplishing mitigation activities such as relocation from
flood prone areas and the acquisition of elevation of structures located in the
floodplain. Long-term mitigation activities will be implemented over several
years as the ARPC continues to work with its local governments and citizens in
need.
Return to top
Dispute Resolution
Program
Section 186.508, F.S., directs regional planning councils to
adopt a regional dispute resolution process, designed to bring to closure in a
timely manner disputes that pertain to comprehensive planning issues and
development proposals which would have impacts on adjacent local governments or
regional resources or facilities. The ARPC's dispute resolution process provides
a neutral setting with a facilitator, mediator, or non-binding arbitrator, where
conflicting parties can cooperatively resolve their differences. It endeavors to
be a flexible process that will clearly identify and resolve problems as early
as possible, utilize procedures in a low-to-high cost sequence, allow
flexibility, provide for the appropriate involvement of affected parties, and
provide as much process certainty as possible. Although this process was created
for resolving planning, growth management, and other issues among local
governments, state and regional agencies, and private interests, the Council
provides this service to any organization or individual in the Apalachee
Region.
Economic
Development
The economic development efforts of the ARPC are based on a collaborative
approach that identifies issues and problems which transcend jurisdictional
boundaries. The ARPC provides direct and specific assistance to public,
nonprofit, and private entities in the Region to address local economic
concerns. This approach is designed to create jobs, increase per capita income,
expand the tax base of member local governments, and alleviate economic distress
in the Apalachee Region to improve the quality of life of its citzens.
The ARPC works with numerous local governments and economic development
organizations (such as Chambers of Commerce) to identify funding opportunities
for the provision of infrastructure to industrial and commercial sites to
support small business development. Furthermore, enabled by the U.S. Department
of Commerce Economic Devleopment Administration's designation of the Region as
an Economic Development District, the ARPC provides technical assistance to
local governments in the form of economic analyses, staff support, leadership
training and development, research, federal grant and loan preparation,
strategic plans development, and other related activities. ARPC also administers
federal grants and loans for local jurisdictions.
Return to top
Hazardous Materials
Program
ARPC staff has been coordinating the District II Local
Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) for the region since 1988. The LEPC
represents a broad range of occupational categories including elected state and
local officials, non-elected local officials, law enforcement, civil defense,
firefighting, first aid, health, local environmental, hospital, transportation,
print media, community groups, facility operators, interested citizens, and
water management district personnel. The LEPC was created to implement the Emergency
Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act. The primary tasks of the LEPC are
to provide guidance in the development of the Regional Hazardous Materials
Emergency Response Plan, plan and execute hazardous materials emergency
exercises, sponsor hazardous materials training opportunities, educate the
public about chemical risks and the availability of public information and serve
as the regional repository for hazardous materials information.
Hazardous Waste Verification
Program
In 1976, Congress enacted the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act to protect public health and the environment
from improper management of hazardous waste. To improve management and disposal
of hazardous wastes in the State, the Florida Legislature requires each local
government to prepare an assessment identifying hazardous waste generators
within a jurisdiction, types, and quantities of waste generated, current waste
management practices, abandoned dump sites, and operating procedures for
landfills.
Return to top
Intergovernmental
Coordination Program
The philosophy of regionalism is an approach that recognizes the value of
dealing with issues and needs of greater-than-local concern by incorporating the
concerns of many affected communities. The ARPC subscribes to this philosophy by
providing the most cost-effective mechanism for addressing problems that can
only be addressed through collaborative efforts and cooperation among all
affected parties.
Plan Review Program
Reviewing local government comprehensive plan amendments to ensure their
consistency with local and regional plans continues to be one of the ARPC's
primary responsibilities. Comments regarding consistency with the SRPP assist local governments to clarify and
improve the contents of the comprehensive plan and identify potential issues
that may adversely affect resources or facilities of regional significance or
that have extra-jurisdictional impacts (i.e., affect neighboring jurisdictions).
The ARPC also assists local governments in the preparation of Evaluation and
Appraisal Reports and amendment and implementation of their respective
comprehensive plans by providing planning information and technical assistance.
This assistance includes pre-adoption courtesy reviews of comprehensive plan
amendments, impact analyses, demographic data, and helping to ensure statute and
rule complaince.
Return to top
Regional Planning
Program
One of the most significant modifications to the role of the regional
planning councils came as a result of the 1992 Environmental Land Management
Study Committee III (ELMS III). ELMS III recognized RPCs as the only
multi-purpose regional entities in the State and made several recommendations to
Governor Lawton Chiles to enhance their primary mission as planning and
coordinating entities. In response, the 1993 Legislature reaffirmed the RPCs
role as Florida's only regional entities that are in a position to plan for and
coordinate intergovernmental solutions to growth-related problems on
greater-than-local issues, provide technical assistance to local governments,
and meet other needs of the communities in each region.
In accordance with the recommendation of ELMS III, as adopted in Section 186.507, F.S., the ARPC adopted on June 27, 1996, a Strategic Regional Policy Plan (SRPP). The SRPP addresses
the following areas of regional significance: affordable housing, regional transportation, economic development, emergency preparedness, and natural resources. The SRPP is used as a guide for
shaping the Region's future; as a framework to link planning and implementation
activities of various entities; to review local comprehensive plans,
developments of regional impact, federal funding requests, and environmental
permits; to facilitate resolution of disputes in planning and growth management
issues; and as a policy document to guide the Council's activities.
Regional
Transportation
The ARPC serves as a critical communication and coordination link to local,
state, and federal transportation planning issues in the areas of highway,
transit, air, rail, or bicycle, and pedestrian facilities. This link broadens
the scope of state transportation planning to include local land use desires,
environmental factors, economic goals, and community preservation. To support
this effort, the ARPC staff works with transportation professionals and state
and local government representatives to provide regional direction and to foster
regional transportation planning. The ARPC's activities related to this program
include coordinating with the Tallahassee-Leon County Metropolitan Planning
Organization; conducting annual level of service analyses for all counties and
cities within the Region, with the exception of Tallahassee and Leon County; and
participating in a variety of transportation oriented program, such as the North
Florida Commuter Assistance Program, and the Leon County Community Traffic
Safety Team. | | |
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