Florida Construction News staff writer
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has been awarded $4 million to build a new interchange at I-75 and Northwest 49th Street in Marion County.
Funds will create infrastructure for a new Buc-ee’s location and expand access to I-75 for two industrial and commercial development complexes and the World Equestrian Center.
The new Buc-ee’s location will be the third in Florida – an 80,000-sq. ft. travel center, with 120 fuel pumps with more than 720 parking spots.
FDOT’s infrastructure project is expected to have an economic impact of $21 million and create 1,500 new jobs.
“By making strategic investments like today’s $4 million job growth grant fund, Florida will continue to fuel economic growth across the state,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a statement. “Ocala’s ideal location at the center of our state makes it prime for new manufacturing opportunities and for visitors looking for a place to stop and grab some beaver nuggets.
The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund is an economic development program designed to promote public infrastructure and workforce training across the state. Proposals are reviewed by DEO and Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI), and are chosen by DeSantis to meet the demands for workforce training or infrastructure needs in communities around the state.
DEO and EFI are currently accepting proposals until all funding has been awarded.
“This new I-75 interchange is more than just a road. Building this interchange greatly benefits our great state by connecting local communities, creating jobs, improving regional and statewide travel for residents, visitors, and freight-related traffic, and helping to improve the resiliency of Florida’s transportation network,” said FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue.
