State Board Takes Control of Miami Expressways Which Could Mean Toll Relief

A law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis which turns over control of five Miami Expressways to the State of Florida went into effect this week and it could mean toll relief for Miami commuters. The new law dissolves the Miami-Dade Expressway Authority (MDX) and turns over control of its five roads including the Airport, Don Shula and Gratigny expressways to the Greater Miami Expressway Agency (GMX) and a new State appointed board.

Torey Alston, who the DeSantis board appointed to serve as GMX Executive Director, is leading the transition.

"I am humbled to lead this compassionate and seamless transition," Alston told The Floridian. The transition went into effect on July 1 which means the new State-appointed board will assume all contracts, employees, and bond payments.

Alston, who previously served as Chief of Staff for the Florida Department of Transportation, Broward Commissioner, and Broward School Board Chair says he knows firsthand how congested these roadways get and says there are good things to come for Miami commuters.

"This transition is the result of years of higher tolls in Miami-Dade. The legislature and the Governor should be commended on their leadership," said Alston.

In the short term, Alston says the transition should not impact any employees. In the long term he says it will mean increased efficiencies.

"We want to provide additional relief to toll payers in Miami and Monroe counties," said Alston. "Any way we can find efficiencies and relief, the board will do it."

"We have worked together to reduce the pain of inflation by enacting $1 Billion in tax relief in this year's budget and by slashing tolls by 50% for Florida's commuters for this calendar year," said DeSantis in his 2023 State of the State address. "That will save some families more than $1000. Thank you legislature for standing up for our consumers."

Similar to the newly formed Central Florida Tourism Oversight District which will oversee Disney after the last board was removed by DeSantis and the legislature, the new GMX board will include four board members appointed by the Governor. It will also include the DOT District Secretary and two people appointed by the Miami-Dade commission, although they have not appointed anyone in years.

The new GMX board will have their first meeting on Wednesday, July 5 at 9am at FDOT District Six Headquarters in Miami.