Gov. Scott’s proposed budget includes $10.8b for transportation and infrastructure

Florida Governor Rick Scott discussed his recommended transportation and infrastructure budget for FY 2017-2018 on Monday during a press conference at JAXPORT.    Florida Governor Rick Scott spoke about his recommended transportation and infrastructure budget for FY 2017-2018 on Monday during a press conference at JAXPORT.
   Dubbed “Fighting for Florida’s Future,” the proposed budget designates $10.8 billion for transportation and infrastructure purposes, with $178.2 million for Florida’s seaports, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
   “Seaports are probably the biggest job generator in Florida,” Gov. Scott said at the conference Monday. “Investing in the ports means investing in good paying jobs.”
   Gov. Scott credited the port with providing over 200,000 jobs and $1.2 billion in investment funds over the last six years.
   In addition, Gov. Scott implored Florida residents to write to their legislators to get the proposed budget passed. He cites permit issues as one reason behind Florida’s lagging success, though he also stressed that budget priorities are what will help Florida’s seaports become the most competitive.
   When questioned about the impact of President Donald Trump’s agenda on Gov. Scott’s proposed budget plans, the governor said he will be meeting with Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao later this month to begin the process of receiving more federal funding for Florida’s transportation needs – particularly in regards to continued dredging on the St. Johns River. Given President’s Trump’s large campaign focus on transportation and infrastructure, Gov. Scott said he is confident in the government’s ability to assist Florida to continuously expand in jobs and innovation.