Florida initiative will expedite transportation projects

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Florida recently launched the Moving Florida Forward initiative to expedite transportation projects over the next four years.

The initiative would invest a total of $7 billion to allow the state’s infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of residents. It would invest $4 billion of general revenue, redirect approximately $131 million annually to the State Transportation Work Program, and leverage additional funding.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) would expedite 20 priority infrastructure projects into the existing Work Program that improve safety, combat congestion and ensure a more resilient transportation system.

“The department has worked closely with communities and our partners through the years to plan and prepare these projects for construction,” FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue said. “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.”

The Florida Legislature must pass the proposal for it to take effect.

In 2022, Florida’s population grew by 1.9 percent, reaching more than 22 million residents. In addition, it had nearly 105 million visitors during the first three quarters.