By RICH SHOPES The Tampa Tribune

Published: Jun 29, 2007

Gov. Charlie Crist signed legislation Thursday to create the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority.

Almost two years in the making, the authority will develop transportation plans and acquire financing for new roads and rail and bus routes in Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas and Sarasota.

"It's extremely significant. We now have an entity that can help implement projects, and we're operating at a regional level and not getting mired down in interlocal issues," said Rep. Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, the bill's House sponsor.

Crist's approval wasn't surprising but comes after a bitter disappointment. A month earlier, he vetoed legislation to contribute $1 million toward startup costs.

Galvano and Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, the bill's Senate sponsor, have said Crist's veto wouldn't sink the authority and that initial planning and technical support will come from the Florida Department of Transportation.

More help could come in the form of donations from the business community.

"We've had some conversations, and some companies have approached me already about putting together some kind of pool," said Stuart Rogel, president of the Tampa Bay Partnership.

The authority has 60 days to hold its first meeting and must develop a master plan by July 2009.

Reporter Rich Shopes can be reached at rshopes@tampatrib.com or (813) 259-7633.