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Roads projects put in fast lane

The accelerated expansion of U.S. 19 and State Road 52 was always on the drawing board, but not fully funded until now.

By GARRETT THEROLF
Published November 3, 2005

Once thought to be far in the distance, officials said Wednesday that expansion of U.S. 19 and State Road 52 now is in sight.

Gov. Jeb Bush announced a list of planned transportation improvements that were picked to get just under $3-billion in state money over the next six years. Before the public announcement, Transportation Secretary Denver Stutler phoned state Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, to let him know that Pasco would be among the first to benefit.

The impact in Pasco is to accelerate the seven-year timetable to complete work on U.S. 19's expansion, and SR 52's expansion now will be funded in two years rather than 15.

"This is huge," Fasano said. "We've been trying to get these projects funded for a number of years. These have always been on the drawing board, but never to the point that they were immediate."

A so-called "continuous right turn lane" would be added to U.S. 19 in Pasco, similar to the extra lanes added to that highway in Pinellas County, effectively widening the road from six lanes to eight.

Congress passed a massive transportation bill over the summer that includes $5.76-million for the project. The state committed Wednesday to fund the remainder of the $14.5-million within two years.

It has been Pasco County government's No. 1 road priority for some time, followed closely by the expansion of State Road 52.

Stutler wrote in a letter to Fasano that funding to buy land needed to expand SR 52 from the Suncoast Parkway to Interstate 75 would be secured within two years.

The $26.2-million project has already received $3-million through federal transportation funding.

Before Wednesday's announcement, full funding wasn't expected for another 15 years.

Both U.S. 19 and SR 52 currently receive "D" grades on an A to F scale. In Stutler's letter, he thanked Fasano for his support of the Transportation Department as chairman of the Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations Committee.

Asked whether the powerful post helped Pasco secure its new funding, Fasano responded: "I'll let you be the judge of that."

With one year left as chairman before new committee assignments are issued, Fasano said at least one major project remains on his wish list.

"My next objective is U.S. 41," he said, "to get the remainder of 41 up to State Road 52 widened."

Garrett Therolf covers Pasco County government. He can be reached in west Pasco at 869-6232 or toll-free at 1-800-333-7505, ext. 6232. His e-mail address is gtherolf@sptimes.com

Funding within two years to expand U.S. 19 throughout the county to include a "continuous right turn lane."

Funding within two years to purchase right of way necessary to expand State Road 52 between the Suncoast Parkway and Interstate 75.

[Last modified November 3, 2005, 01:07:13]