Florida Current: 2012 Session Outlook Transportation

Gov. Rick Scott highlighted Florida’s transportation system this summer as a key factor in jumpstarting the state economy. He’s called for fully integrating the state’s ports, airports, highways and rails, and for more money to dredge the Port of Miami and possibly other ports in order to establish Florida as a regional trading hub. Financing such a vision for the debt-averse governor will be a challenge considering that projections foresee dwindling fuel taxes in coming years. Scott has advocated more tolls on new roads and expansions, and more public-private partnerships as the new way to fund road projects.

The budget pain for transportation has already been foretold: Scott's budget recommendations called for a $1.2 billion reduction in transportation spending. The cuts could further delay projects already behind schedule. In Central Florida, for example, some projects are set for delays as money is funneled to the Wekiva Parkway, with the final details being hammered out between the Florida Department of Transportation and local agencies.

For the full article, visit the Florida Current.