What happened: Gov. DeSantis (R) Jan. 30 unveiled the Moving Florida Forward Initiative. The four-year plan leverages $4 billion from general revenue surplus, redirects an average of $131 million annually to the State Transportation Work Program, and leverages additional funding for a record investment in the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) work program. The initiative prioritizes 20 major interstate and roadway projects in FDOT’s current capital program.
Why it matters: Funded projects will ease congestion. DeSantis said the money will, “bring them to completion more than a decade ahead of schedule.” Florida Transportation Builders Association (FTBA) President Ananth Prasad praised the initiative saying, “These investments will benefit Florida residents, businesses and visitors, not only by improving the road they travel on each day but by enhancing economic development and providing job opportunities.” Projects include:
- $1.4 billion to expand lane capacity of I-4 from Champions Gate to Osceola Parkway.
- $1.3 billion to create a new roadway connecting County Road 532 to State Route 429 in Osceola and Polk counties.
- $578 million for capacity improvements to I-75 from Golden Gate Parkway to Corkscrew Road in Lee and Collier counties.
See a full list of projects here.
What’s next: The same day DeSantis released his Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget proposal, which includes an additional $14.7 billion in transportation infrastructure investments. The initiative and budget require legislative approval. The 2023 legislative session begins March 7th. Visit ARTBA-TIACs State Legislation Dashboard to stay up to date on transportation funding developments.