AUBURNDALE, FLORIDA — Today, Governor DeSantis announced a new initiative, “Moving Florida Forward,” which will expedite transportation projects over the next four years. The proposal would invest $4 billion of general revenue, redirect an average of $131 million annually to the State Transportation Work Program, and leverage additional funding over the next four years.
The massive initiative would allocate a total of $7 billion to strengthen Florida’s transportation infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of people that rely on Florida’s roadways. If passed by lawmakers, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) would expedite 20 priority infrastructure projects into the existing state Work Program to help alleviate congestion, improve safety, and build a more resilient transportation system.
“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,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Expediting these projects will bring them to completion more than a decade ahead of schedule.”
MASSIVE INFLUX OF NEW FLORIDIANS
Florida is home to over 22 million residents. In the first three quarters of 2022, Florida saw nearly 105 million visitors to the Sunshine State. The largest net migration in the country also took place last year, and Florida’s infrastructure is accommodating more people than ever before.
“These investments will benefit Florida residents, businesses and visitors, not only by improving the roads they travel on each day, but by enhancing economic development and providing job opportunities as well,” said Florida Transportation Builders’ Association President Ananth Prasad.
The 20 projects included in the proposal would contribute to a more resilient transportation infrastructure and an easier evacuation route during severe weather and hurricanes.
“Governor DeSantis’ Moving Florida Forward proposal is truly historic and the projects included will help relieve congestion while also focusing on safety, resiliency, the supply chain, and economic growth,” said FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E.
The much-needed projects are “important for Floridians’ quality of life” according to Perdue, and completing them will maintain a strong transportation system to keep Florida moving forward.
The following projects are included as part of the Moving Florida Forward Legislative Proposal:
