The Florida Department of Transportation will receive $10.8 billion to keep the state's transportation and infrastructure system going strong.
Gov. Rick Scott announced the funding Nov. 14 as part of the recommended FY 2018-2019 "Securing Florida's Future" budget, Historic City News reported.
"By making historic investments in Florida's transportation system for the past five years, we have solidified Florida as a national leader and a global destination for trade," said Scott. "I am proud to announce that the Securing Florida's Future budget will continue this success with a $10.8 billion investment in our roads, bridges, airports and seaports, which will make sure our state remains prepared for future growth and job creation."
The transportation budget for 2018-2019 will include:
- $1 billion for expanding transportation system capacity, including 269 additional lane miles;
- $186.1 million for safety programs;
- $171.6 for updates to seaport infrastructure;
- $359 million for aviation improvements;
- $167.7 million for scheduled repairs to 63 bridges, along with 18 bridge replacements;
- $1 billion for maintenance and operation expenses;
- $568 million in grants for developing public transportation; and
- $151.3 million for bike and pedestrian trails.
In addition, the "Securing Florida's Future" budget will include:
- $289 million for building the First Coast Expressway into Clay and St. Johns counties;
- $23.5 million to help fund the JAXPORT channel deepening and widening project, where the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is expanding the waterway for cargo;
- $34 million for long-term repairs of SR A1A Segment 3 in Flager County;
- $15 million for a new 3.4-mile road in Duval County; and
- $66 million to expand SR 20 into Putnam County.
