Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Fiscal Year 2021-2022 budget proposes providing $10.4 billion to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to invest in improvements and enhancements to the state’s transportation system.
The majority of the budget request, $9.47 billion, is for the FDOT’s Work Program – a five-year plan of transportation projects identified as needs-based by the department. DeSantis said the budget request also looks to the state’s future growth.
“Having a safe and efficient transportation system is critical in the everyday lives of Florida’s families and visitors and is an essential part of Florida’s prosperity,” DeSantis said. “My Florida Leads budget provides critical funding for innovative and multi-modal projects that will enhance safety and keep Florida moving well into the future.”
According to the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the state’s population could increase by as much as 6 million people by 2030 to a high of nearly 26 million people – more people than currently live in Australia. More than half of that growth will occur in just 10 counties – Miami-Dade, Broward, Hillsboro, Orange, Palm Beach, Duvall, Pinellas, Lee, Polk, and Brevard.
The budget proposal includes $2.5 billion for highway construction that will include 210 new miles of lanes, $1 billion for resurfacing nearly 2,700 miles of road, $122.6 million in seaport infrastructure enhancements, and $331 million in aviation improvements.
“Governor DeSantis’ continued support of transportation investments through the Florida Leads budget will allow the Florida Department of Transportation to build an innovative transportation system that will fit the needs of a growing and flourishing Florida. Investments in transportation are crucial to our communities, our economy, and the future of our state,” said FDOT Secretary Kevin J. Thibault.