Florida Construction News staff writer
Gov. DeSantis launched the Moving Florida Forward initiative this week, to speed transportation construction projects over the next four years. If passed by the legislature, $4 billion of general revenue – an average of $131 million annually would be redirected to the State Transportation Work Program, and additional funding over the next four years would total $7 billion to strengthen Florida’s transportation infrastructure to accommodate growth.
“This proposal will break through bureaucracy that often slows down infrastructure projects and allow FDOT to target projects that will ease congestion across the state,” DeSantis said. “Expediting these projects will bring them to completion more than a decade ahead of schedule.”
Through this record investment, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) would expedite 20 priority infrastructure projects into the existing Work Program to combat congestion, improve safety, and ensure a more resilient transportation system. Projects included as part of the Moving Florida Forward Legislative Proposal are available at FDOT.gov/MovingFloridaForward.
“These are important for Floridians’ quality of life and to ensure we maintain a strong transportation system to keep Florida moving forward,” said FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue. “The Department has worked closely with communities and our partners through the years to plan and prepare these projects for construction.
“Receiving this funding will allow the vision of each project to become a reality in the immediate future to better meet the growing demands in communities throughout the state. Our team is prepared and ready to work with the Legislature to deliver these critical projects and strengthen Florida’s transportation infrastructure.”
Florida experienced the largest net migration in the country last year at 1.9%, meaning infrastructure must accommodate more people than ever before. The 20 projects included in the proposal will build more resilient transportation infrastructure, which is important to the integrity of roadways and corridors especially during severe weather events such as hurricanes.
FDOT will continue working on projects currently planned in the existing FDOT Five-Year Work Program in addition to projects included in the Moving Florida Forward package.
