As with every project, CFX is dedicated during project development to collaborate with agency partners including the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, water management districts and others to protect our region’s natural resources. This includes investments in conservation and sustainability to not only minimize impacts to the environment, but to ensure our natural areas are preserved for generations to come. In addition to project-specific environmental advisory groups, CFX has established a standing Environmental Stewardship Committee to provide crucial input on these regional efforts.
CFX is working closely with state, regional, and local environmental stakeholders throughout the design and construction of the 14-mile SR 534 project.
During the Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study Re-evaluation, we thoroughly assessed potential social, natural, physical, and cultural impacts. We understand the importance of preserving and protecting our community. Therefore, we have placed special focus on the sensitive 1.3-mile segment through Split Oak Forest Wildlife and Environmental Area (SOFWEA) in Osceola County. Based on these evaluations, we developed thoughtful strategies and a comprehensive plan to minimize and mitigate impacts.
Environmental stewardship has always been a guiding principle for CFX.
Our commitment to reduce impact, improve connectivity and access, and enhance long-term preservation efforts within Split Oak were shaped directly by feedback from the community and key stakeholders at both the local, regional and state levels.
The following are among the environmental commitments CFX is implementing in partnership with the counties and state agencies:
Our Environmental Commitments
Minimize Impact
- Relocated water treatment plant to ensure public safety and avoid operational conflicts.
- Moved alignment farther south and west to mitigate impact on wildlife.
- Have reputable land trust or government agencies hold conservation property to restrict its future use through recorded conservation easements.
- Ensure the floodplain compensation area does not affect quality lands and does not destroy habitat.
- No requests for widening of easement after initial construction
Improve Access and Connectivity
- Ensure access to the Florida National Scenic Trail and Moss Park.
- Assure linkage of Split Oak, Moss Park, Isle of Pines Preserve and the newly dedicated lands to regional wildlife corridors.
Enhance Preservation Efforts
- Donate 1,550 acres of new conservation land to replace SOFWEA land impacted by roadway
- $23.9 million to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for the long-term management of the 1,550 acres to support habitat restoration, wildlife protection, and land stewardship
- $18 million to FWC for purchase of additional environmentally sensitive lands
- $1.25 million to FWC for project improvements at SOFWEA in Orange and Osceola counties
- Mitigate impacts to gopher tortoise habitats with relocation efforts linked in a corridor to Split Oak.
- Implement signage and notifications on the expressway to notify drivers of prescribed burns for conservation and preservation