Wekiva Parkway project approved

The controversial Wekiva Parkway project took a huge step forward on Tuesday.

Metroplan Orlando, the board that decides which transportation projects get approved in Central Florida, approved the plan.

There was a two-hour spirited debate that started with the public about whether the Wekiva Parkway should be built.

"It's a gift.  It's good economic planning," said Lake Mary resident Randy Morris.

Osceola County commissioners voiced the strongest opposition, arguing the Wekiva Parkway is cutting in front of their local road projects.

"I feel a little left out. I feel like the poor cousin at Christmas.  All my other cousins are getting nice gifts," said Osceola County Commissioner Brandon Arrington.

The 17-2 Metroplan vote means the beltway around Orlando will go forward, before the Interstate 4 widening project even gets on the calendar.

If Metroplan had voted "no," Central Florida would lose the state's $900 million commitment to help the Expressway Authority build the $1.8 billion toll road, officials said. 

"If we don't take advantage of this today then that $900 million is going to be dispersed somewhere else," said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.

 WFTV asked the Florida Department of Transportation District Secretary Noranne Downs said the agency doesn't widen I-4 before it uses money for the Wekiva Parkway because its $460 million contribution comes from Florida's Turnpike money, which would never be used for I-4.