AASHTO Journal, 30 January 2015
Florida Gov. Rick Scott proposed a 2015-16 budget that would trim more than $235 million or 2.3 percent from the state Department of Transportation after a record year of infrastructure spending, leaving FDOT with $9.88 billion for the year that begins July 1.
In an overall budget proposal of $77 billion that includes $673 million in tax cuts, Scott said his FDOT funding plan “will continue to invest in our ports, our roadways and our entire transportation network to further our economic growth.”
His FDOT budget would spend $5.6 billion on highway operations, plus $1.2 billion for Florida’s turnpike systems and nearly $3 billion for a “transportation systems development” program that includes almost $1 billion in grants to other modes – transit, rail, aviation, intermodal and seaports.
The governor also said: “We’ve made tremendous investments in our state’s transportation system during my time in office and our return on investment is clear. Strategic improvements to our transportation infrastructure will position Florida as a global leader for economic growth.”
The department said the proposed budget includes $3.8 billion for highway construction projects, nearly $243 million to repair 92 bridges and replace 16 more, plus $902 million for maintenance and operations.
It would spend $548 million in public transit development grants, $350 million on aviation upgrades, $168.3 million for safety initiatives and $38 million for bike and pedestrian trails. It includes nearly $110 million for seaport infrastructure improvements.
FDOT Secretary Jim Boxold said the funding provided in the new budget plan “will not only create jobs for our citizens but continue to keep Florida on the road to having the best infrastructure in the country.”