Florida Construction News staff writer
In a significant push to enhance Florida’s infrastructure, Gov. Ron DeSantis has unveiled the first round of $100 million in grants aimed at bolstering the state’s supply chain capacity. The announcement included an $18 million investment specifically designed to increase aggregate storage for critical construction materials.
During a press event, DeSantis highlighted the importance of a robust supply chain for Florida’s economic stability. “A strong supply chain is key to Florida’s economic strength. We can’t rely on Washington—we need Florida-based solutions,” he stated. “These grants will help our state boost capacity and ensure vital materials reach projects on time.”
The grants awarded recently will support five key projects, collectively enabling the creation of an additional 1.2 million tons of aggregate materials storage and improved rail access to existing facilities. The recipients include:
- Florida Gulf & Atlantic Railroad: $3.7 million for a new aggregate terminal in Lake City, accommodating an additional 200,000 tons of aggregate annually.
- Capital Asphalt: $1.5 million for a terminal in Tallahassee, supporting 80,000 tons of additional storage.
- CSX: $3.9 million for a terminal in Plant City, adding 250,000 tons of aggregate capacity across 20 acres.
- Port of Tampa Bay: $6.2 million to construct the Berth 218 aggregate terminal, enabling 500,000 tons of limerock storage annually.
- JAXPORT: $2.6 million to develop a project that will increase rail capacity and add 240,000 tons of aggregate storage.
In addition to the grant announcements, DeSantis broke ground on a significant infrastructure upgrade—the I-75 interchange at Fruitville Road. This project will replace the traditional cloverleaf design with a diverging diamond configuration, aimed at improving safety and mobility in the area.
Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue emphasized the impact of these investments, stating, “Many Floridians don’t spend a lot of time thinking about construction materials until a disruption impacts their community. With the support of DeSantis and the Florida Legislature, the transportation construction industry will have the materials it needs for timely project completion.”
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) prioritized these projects based on their overall costs, proximity to statewide aggregate needs, and projected completion speed, ensuring that Florida can quickly capitalize on these essential investments.