Florida Construction News staff writer
Florida transportation officials are outlining a $15.4-billion investment in roads, bridges, aviation, seaports and freight infrastructure as part of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposed Floridians First Budget.
Florida Department of Transportation secretary Jared Perdue said the funding package is aimed at easing congestion, improving safety and supporting economic growth as the state’s population continues to expand.
The proposed budget includes $4.9 billion for highway maintenance and construction, with plans to add 181 lane miles to Florida’s roadway network.
Since 2019, the state will have added a total of 1,667 lane miles if the budget is approved.
Planned projects include:
- new Interstate 10 interchange near Beulah Road in Escambia County
- corridor improvements along Clyde Morris Boulevard in Volusia County
- reconstruction of Alton Road in Miami-Dade County
An additional $1.4 billion is allocated to resurface 2,622 lane miles statewide.
There is also $873 million earmarked to repair or replace 59 bridges, including:
- replacement of the Trout River Bridge on Lem Turner Road in Duval County
- Scott Road Bridge over Econfina Creek in Bay County
- rehabilitation of the Long Key Bridge on U.S. 1 in Monroe County
The budget also focuses on Florida’s aerospace sector, with $93.4 million for the Spaceport Improvement Program to support infrastructure tied to launch activity, primarily at Cape Canaveral.
Rural and small county transportation programs are also included, with funding for the Rural Infrastructure Fund, Small County Outreach Program, Small County Resurfacing Assistance Program and County Incentive Grant Program. Together, the programs are intended to support local road, bridge, drainage and airport improvements in less-populated areas.
Freight and supply chain infrastructure would receive $233.2 million for intermodal and rail projects, along with $19.9 million for the Aggregate Grant Program to increase storage capacity for construction materials and reduce delays on transportation projects.
The proposed transportation spending package will be reviewed during the upcoming legislative session.
