Florida Governor Rick Scott has unveiled “Securing Florida’s Future,” a $87.4 billion 2018–2019 budget to keep the state’s transportation and infrastructure system the best in the nation, according to local media outlets.
“Transportation infrastructure plays an important role in helping support our booming economy, growing population and record numbers of visitors,” Governor Scott said. “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. 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 Governor’s FY 2018–2019 transportation budget makes the following investments:
- $1 billion to expand transportation system capacity, which includes adding 269 new lane miles
- $186.1 million for safety initiatives
- $171.6 million in seaport infrastructure improvements
- $359.0 million for aviation improvements
- $167.7 million for scheduled repair of 63 bridges and replacement of 18 bridges
- $1 billion for maintenance and operation
- $568 million for public transit development grants
- $151.3 million for bike and pedestrian trails of which $26.7 million is for SUN Trail.
The Governor’s Securing Florida’s Future budget makes the following transportation investments in Northeast Florida:
- $289 million project for construction of the First Coast Expressway into Clay and St. Johns counties. The project will increase capacity and relieve congestion for traveling motorists on the East Coast of Florida by providing a limited access, all-electronic toll roadway.
- $23.5 million to continue state contributions for the JAXPORT channel deepening and widening project. Along with local and federal funding, this state investment will continue the United States Army Corps of Engineers’ efforts to expand the waterway, thus strengthening Florida’s position as a national cargo gateway.
- $34 million for the long-term repair of SR A1A Segment 3 from North of 18th Street to South of Osprey Drive in Flagler Beach and Beverly Beach, Flagler County. This section of roadway was damaged in 2016 during Hurricane Matthew. The recommended improvement in this section involves constructing approximately 5,000 feet of buried retaining wall to help this area better withstand storms.
- $15 million for a new, two-lane roadway 3.4 miles in length beginning at the western terminus of Arnold Road and ending at the intersection of Lannie Road and Ethel Road in Duval County. This project will provide direct access from Interstate 95 to the Jacksonville National Cemetery.
- $66 million project to expand SR 20 from the Alachua County line to Southwest 56th Avenue, Putnam County. This project is vital as it will provide additional capacity for the Strategic Intermodal System (SIS) between Gainesville and Palatka and will relieve traffic congestion in the area.
