The FDOT is conducting the I-75 PD&E study in conjunction with Hillsborough County and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The study will document information necessary for the FDOT and FHWA to reach a decision on the type, design and location of improvements to I-75.

Based on long-range planning, projected population and employment growth, and projected traffic volumes, the Hillsborough Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) has made this a priority project in Hillsborough County. The proposed project is included in the Hillsborough County MPO’s Year 2025 Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) as a six/eight-lane facility with four-special purpose lanes in some locations. I-75 from State Road 60 to I-4 is included in the Hillsborough County MPO’s Year 2025 Cost Feasible Plan. MPO travel demand estimates indicate that in 2025, daily traffic volumes will increase by 50 percent on I-75 due to the number of approved new developments, including large residential communities, especially in the Brandon and the University North areas.

This portion of I-75 was evaluated in the Programming Screen of the Efficient Transportation Decision Making (ETDM) process as Project # 8002 in 2007. During preliminary planning for this project through the FDOT’s ETDM screening process, concerns were raised by agencies regarding various potential impacts to the environment. Specific agreements with the FDOT have been made to include the following work in the project scope.

• A Type 2 Categorical Exclusion is the expected level of environmental documentation required for this project.
  
  
• FDOT will coordinate with Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) to obtain the latest data for ongoing floodplain studies, stormwater retention and treatment, the Environmental Resource Permit, and impacts on the Tampa Bypass Canal.
  
  
• FDOT will coordinate with the United States Army Corps of Engineers regarding Section 404, Water Quality Certification.
  
  
• FDOT will coordinate with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection regarding the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit.
  
  
• FDOT will coordinate with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the US Fish and Wildlife Service regarding potential impacts to endangered and threatened species.
  
  
• FDOT will develop Determinations of Applicability for any potential Section 4(f) protected resources.