Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) announced that the State of Florida is “fighting back” against President Joe Biden (D) and his political infrastructure agenda by self-funding its transportation improvements. With less help from the federal government, Gov. DeSantis’ office stated that these projects are “fully funded and ahead of schedule” and will add capacity to the roads and ease congestion.
“Unlike the federal government, under my leadership Florida’s Department of Transportation is focused solely on transportation,” said Gov. DeSantis. “That’s why our major transportation upgrades are fully funded and decades ahead of schedule. We listen to Floridians and meet their needs. Roads are not for politics.”
$14.6 billion of state funding will be dispersed for 946 current and future projects including $5.2 billion for highway maintenance, $1.8 billion for road resurfacing and potholes, $328 million to repair or replace 87 Florida bridges, and $1.4 billion for “intermodal improvements” such as airports, seaports, and transit and freight rail.
FDOT Secretary James Perdue, P.E. stated that some projects will be done five years earlier than expected.
“Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ leadership and forward-thinking approach, we were empowered to look at even more ways to expedite critical infrastructure improvements along the I-4 corridor. Moving Florida Forward was already poised to benefit Floridians, and with the re-sequencing of construction and the additional auxiliary lanes, drivers will start to see relief at one of the most congested areas in the state by the end of 2025, not 2030 as previously planned,” said FDOT Secretary Perdue. “Florida’s vision for infrastructure stands in stark contrast to the Biden administration’s insistence on prioritizing ideological and political agendas over building infrastructure. I’m happy to live in the Free State of Florida where all Floridians and visitors are free to drive what they want, when they want, and where they want.”
Moreover, DeSantis announced the FDOT’s newest website, roadarenotforpolitics.com, attempting to highlight Biden’s agenda on infrastructure.
He said at a press conference, "I'm pleased to announce that today, to make clear where Florida stands, the Florida Department of Transportation is launching a dedicated portal that will highlight for folks the politicization of the Biden transportation department and to demonstrate how Florida is just saying no.”
