Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis recently signed the state’s budget, which includes $9.44 billion for the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) Work Program, a five-year plan of transportation projects.
Projects funded include $110.6 million in seaport infrastructure enhancements, $172.2 million in safety initiatives, $325.9 million in aviation improvements, $515.9 million for the repair of 89 bridges and the replacement of 18 bridges, $704.3 million in rail/transit program advancements, $1 billion to resurface 2,682 lane miles, and $2.8 billion for highway construction projects that add 210 new lane miles.
The state legislature transferred $2 billion from federal COVID-19 relief funds to the State Transportation Trust Fund. Funding was split two ways. State Highway System projects received $1.75 billion, and $250 million will be used for port operation grants.
“A safe, reliable, and multi-modal transportation system is critical to keeping our state moving, and I thank the Governor and Legislative leaders for supporting the department’s priorities,” Kevin J. Thibault, FDOT secretary, said. “The investments made during this Legislative Session will bolster communities as they recover, keep Florida’s economy thriving, and continue to position Florida as a nationwide leader in transportation.”
FDOT identifies need-based projects. The project must be consistent with program objectives and priorities, policies, and laws.