Florida DOT to receive $9.9 billion in state budget, Gov. Scott says

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will receive $9.9 billion in the "Keep Florida Working" budget for transportation improvements, Gov. Rick Scott announced last week.

The governor’s proposed budget follows record funding of $10.1 billion to improve Florida’s infrastructure, including the largest FDOT work program in state history, Scott said in a press release. His proposed budget would allocate $3.8 billion for highway projects, $548 million for public transit development grants and $109.6 million for port infrastructure improvements.

"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," said Scott. "Our 'Keep Florida Working' budget will continue to invest in our ports, our roadways and our entire transportation network to further our economic growth."

Allocations would include $94.5 million for an interchange improvement at Interstate 10 and U.S. 301 in Duval County. Currently the interchange combines trucks, tourists, trains and commuters into a small interchange that needs improvements to safely move truck traffic on and off I-10 while passenger vehicles still pass over a CSX Transportation line, according to FDOT.

The state also would provide $179.4 million to construct an I-95 interchange at I-295 that's adjacent to Jacksonville International Airport and the nearby Port of Jacksonville. In addition, the budget would allocate $40.4 million to operate and maintain the Port of Miami's tunnel project.